1 00:00:06,006 --> 00:00:08,925 [tense music playing] 2 00:00:09,801 --> 00:00:10,719 [Tone] This is it. 3 00:00:11,386 --> 00:00:13,346 It's the Drink Masters final. 4 00:00:14,556 --> 00:00:16,474 Twelve mixologists entered this bar... 5 00:00:16,558 --> 00:00:17,851 [winces] Come on! 6 00:00:17,934 --> 00:00:18,768 Goddamn it! 7 00:00:18,852 --> 00:00:20,812 [Tone] ...and faced epic challenges. 8 00:00:20,895 --> 00:00:24,524 It's been hard to stay organized in the thick of the craziness. 9 00:00:24,607 --> 00:00:25,817 I'm freaking out. 10 00:00:25,900 --> 00:00:28,028 [Alex] Each challenge gets a little tougher for me. 11 00:00:28,111 --> 00:00:29,279 I want to stay so bad. 12 00:00:29,863 --> 00:00:33,366 [LP] I feel like there's a target on my back. It's every man for themselves. 13 00:00:33,450 --> 00:00:34,451 What are we doing here? 14 00:00:35,035 --> 00:00:37,620 [Tone] They were pushed to create liquid art. 15 00:00:37,704 --> 00:00:40,248 Put your seats in the upright and locked position, 16 00:00:40,331 --> 00:00:42,292 it is time to land! 17 00:00:42,375 --> 00:00:43,752 Shake it up! 18 00:00:45,420 --> 00:00:49,007 One by one they fell until only three remain. 19 00:00:49,090 --> 00:00:53,053 [Julie] LP, I was really transported right to the bodega in the Bronx. 20 00:00:53,136 --> 00:00:54,596 It is delicious. 21 00:00:54,679 --> 00:00:56,514 [Frankie] Tao, beautiful flavor profile. 22 00:00:56,598 --> 00:00:58,475 Very minimalist, but it speaks volumes. 23 00:00:58,558 --> 00:01:01,519 Kate, these are the best drinks you've given us this whole season. 24 00:01:01,603 --> 00:01:03,438 Sniper precision. 25 00:01:03,521 --> 00:01:06,816 [Tone] Now, they're here for the crown, and they each want it. 26 00:01:06,900 --> 00:01:10,820 But only one can win and become the ultimate Drink Master. 27 00:01:11,946 --> 00:01:12,947 {\an8}[glasses clink] 28 00:01:18,536 --> 00:01:21,664 [Tone] And then there were three. 29 00:01:21,748 --> 00:01:24,417 Tao, Kate, and LP, 30 00:01:24,501 --> 00:01:26,878 this is what it's all been leading up to. 31 00:01:26,961 --> 00:01:30,548 The first ever {\an8}Drink Masters finale. 32 00:01:31,758 --> 00:01:35,428 You each have the skill, creativity, and talent needed 33 00:01:35,512 --> 00:01:37,680 to be crowned the ultimate Drink Master 34 00:01:38,389 --> 00:01:41,059 and win the cash prize of $100,000! 35 00:01:42,352 --> 00:01:44,395 But before you can taste epic greatness, 36 00:01:45,063 --> 00:01:47,232 you have to serve epic greatness. 37 00:01:47,315 --> 00:01:52,278 And a final challenge that is the epitome of Drink Masters excellence. 38 00:01:52,987 --> 00:01:56,950 We want you to create a superb bar menu, 39 00:01:57,033 --> 00:01:58,618 one part classic mixology, 40 00:01:58,701 --> 00:02:00,829 one part molecular techniques, 41 00:02:00,912 --> 00:02:05,375 and 100% pure you. 42 00:02:06,084 --> 00:02:11,464 {\an8}I don't have a bar yet, so creating menus for other bars and restaurants 43 00:02:11,548 --> 00:02:13,508 is literally what I do every day. 44 00:02:14,050 --> 00:02:18,513 Now, your dream bar menu will feature three cocktail courses 45 00:02:18,596 --> 00:02:21,683 connected by a cohesive theme or idea. 46 00:02:21,766 --> 00:02:25,228 [LP] The difficulty with making a really cohesive menu 47 00:02:25,311 --> 00:02:28,356 {\an8}is ensuring that every element ties into the next one 48 00:02:28,439 --> 00:02:31,234 and all of the flavors make sense. 49 00:02:31,317 --> 00:02:34,362 Start us off with a light, refreshing cocktail. 50 00:02:34,445 --> 00:02:37,657 {\an8}Use flavors that surprise and delight us. 51 00:02:37,740 --> 00:02:41,369 {\an8}Your second course should be a delicious, spirit-forward cocktail. 52 00:02:41,452 --> 00:02:43,663 {\an8}We want it to be complex, innovative, 53 00:02:43,746 --> 00:02:45,456 and perfectly balanced. 54 00:02:45,540 --> 00:02:49,252 Your final course is a creation so damn tasty 55 00:02:49,335 --> 00:02:52,797 that the best word to describe it is showstopper. 56 00:02:53,506 --> 00:02:54,340 {\an8}[chuckles] 57 00:02:54,424 --> 00:02:57,844 {\an8}This final cocktail must be presented in two ways: 58 00:02:57,927 --> 00:03:00,263 traditional and deconstructed. 59 00:03:01,181 --> 00:03:06,603 {\an8}So one half of your dynamic duo will be a beautiful and elegant liquid version 60 00:03:06,686 --> 00:03:08,980 for the cocktail purists among us. 61 00:03:09,063 --> 00:03:11,733 [Frankie] The other half of your potent pair 62 00:03:11,816 --> 00:03:14,819 will be an equally delicious reimagined, molecular version 63 00:03:14,903 --> 00:03:17,488 for the modernists like moi. 64 00:03:17,572 --> 00:03:22,160 Deconstruction is taking those singular elements in a cocktail 65 00:03:22,243 --> 00:03:25,580 and recreating them in different formats. 66 00:03:26,164 --> 00:03:30,543 The judging criteria of taste, appearance, and creativity 67 00:03:30,627 --> 00:03:34,255 will apply to every facet of this challenge. 68 00:03:34,339 --> 00:03:37,926 You have a total of five hours to create your three-course menu, 69 00:03:38,009 --> 00:03:41,012 but just like in a real bar, the clock don't stop. 70 00:03:41,638 --> 00:03:44,432 As soon as one course is served, you move on to the next. 71 00:03:44,515 --> 00:03:46,017 Your first course is due 72 00:03:46,100 --> 00:03:48,811 at your bar station at the two-hour mark. 73 00:03:49,729 --> 00:03:51,648 We'll taste while you get back to work. 74 00:03:52,398 --> 00:03:55,151 [Kate] Five hours is not a lot of time to do three courses. 75 00:03:55,235 --> 00:03:59,322 {\an8}Doing menu development takes days, weeks, sometimes months. 76 00:03:59,405 --> 00:04:02,033 Time management is the most important thing. 77 00:04:02,116 --> 00:04:03,993 And now, for the very last time, 78 00:04:04,077 --> 00:04:07,247 your time starts... 79 00:04:09,040 --> 00:04:10,124 [judges] Now! 80 00:04:10,208 --> 00:04:11,751 [thrilling music playing] 81 00:04:22,220 --> 00:04:26,432 {\an8}[Tao] Technique applications is the most important thing for me today. 82 00:04:26,516 --> 00:04:28,810 I've been standing out since day one. 83 00:04:28,893 --> 00:04:29,936 Like, look at me. 84 00:04:30,019 --> 00:04:36,025 I just have to make three really, really, really tasty drinks. 85 00:04:36,609 --> 00:04:39,862 The plan is to make them taste my journey. 86 00:04:41,072 --> 00:04:44,242 [Kate] My strategy is to work on the cocktails in order, 87 00:04:44,325 --> 00:04:46,869 because if I focus too much on the showstopper, 88 00:04:46,953 --> 00:04:50,081 then my first cocktail won't shine. 89 00:04:50,164 --> 00:04:52,458 It's the first impression. I need to make a good one. 90 00:04:52,542 --> 00:04:54,585 I know I've got to pull out all the stops 91 00:04:54,669 --> 00:04:57,463 and just speak from my heart and my passion. 92 00:04:57,547 --> 00:04:59,299 Final challenge. 93 00:04:59,382 --> 00:05:01,342 We are building a menu. 94 00:05:01,426 --> 00:05:02,844 This is kind of a culmination 95 00:05:02,927 --> 00:05:05,680 of everything all three of them have done this entire competition. 96 00:05:05,763 --> 00:05:08,308 [Julie] Any menu has to be well-rounded. 97 00:05:08,391 --> 00:05:09,392 They need to wow us 98 00:05:09,475 --> 00:05:11,978 and also show us things that we haven't seen before. 99 00:05:12,061 --> 00:05:15,940 [LP] I have to be really strategic about the way that I execute my menu, 100 00:05:16,024 --> 00:05:18,401 so I created a schedule down to the very minute 101 00:05:18,484 --> 00:05:20,194 of everything I need to get done. 102 00:05:20,778 --> 00:05:22,864 I'm starting all my infusions for my spirits, 103 00:05:22,947 --> 00:05:25,575 so this is actually for the third course. 104 00:05:25,658 --> 00:05:29,245 What's cool about these three is, uh, they're all so different, so unique. 105 00:05:29,329 --> 00:05:31,539 [Frankie] One thing I've loved throughout the competition, 106 00:05:31,622 --> 00:05:35,126 is watching their individual personalities come through in their style. 107 00:05:35,209 --> 00:05:40,631 Kate, Tao, and LP have given us some incredible cocktails. 108 00:05:40,715 --> 00:05:41,966 [upbeat music playing] 109 00:05:50,058 --> 00:05:53,269 I really gravitate towards, uh, cocktails 110 00:05:53,353 --> 00:05:54,896 that connect with people. 111 00:05:54,979 --> 00:05:57,982 Foods from your childhood, movies, music, 112 00:05:58,066 --> 00:05:59,942 things that evokes feelings. 113 00:06:00,818 --> 00:06:04,697 The concept of my tasting menu is nostalgia 114 00:06:04,781 --> 00:06:07,450 {\an8}and flavors that connect to the past. 115 00:06:07,533 --> 00:06:09,952 The first thing that comes to my mind is a caramel apple. 116 00:06:11,079 --> 00:06:14,457 I'm just focused on the first drink and making sure that I get that out. 117 00:06:14,540 --> 00:06:17,210 Then it's time to prep for everything to come. 118 00:06:18,419 --> 00:06:20,630 The name of the first cocktail is Apple a Day. 119 00:06:20,713 --> 00:06:23,132 I'm using Fino sherry and gin. 120 00:06:23,800 --> 00:06:25,676 So first off, congratulations. 121 00:06:25,760 --> 00:06:27,595 -Thank you. -Does it change your strategy 122 00:06:27,678 --> 00:06:30,181 now that you've reached this point in the competition? 123 00:06:30,264 --> 00:06:32,266 Um, you know, after that last round 124 00:06:32,350 --> 00:06:34,602 and I really made drinks that are true to me, 125 00:06:34,685 --> 00:06:38,064 I did really well, so that was kind of like an aha moment, 126 00:06:38,147 --> 00:06:39,857 and I wanted to make a fluffy juice cocktail. 127 00:06:39,941 --> 00:06:42,693 I've made these in my bar and people go crazy over them. 128 00:06:42,777 --> 00:06:43,694 [Frankie] Fluffy juice? 129 00:06:43,778 --> 00:06:48,157 So fluffy juice is when you throw, um, like oranges or apples through a juicer, 130 00:06:48,241 --> 00:06:50,118 -instead of press juicing them. -Yeah. 131 00:06:50,201 --> 00:06:52,829 And the aeration gives them like a foam on top, 132 00:06:52,912 --> 00:06:55,081 and they're really, really light and aerated. 133 00:06:55,164 --> 00:06:56,749 -[Frankie] Right. -They're aerated juices. 134 00:06:56,833 --> 00:07:00,920 {\an8}One hour till the first course is up! 135 00:07:01,003 --> 00:07:02,797 [exhales] Okay. 136 00:07:03,381 --> 00:07:07,051 We have to think about three drinks. Some stuff take more time. 137 00:07:07,135 --> 00:07:09,512 So right now, I'm working on infusions. 138 00:07:10,304 --> 00:07:14,475 The theme of my bar menu is my personal journey. 139 00:07:15,351 --> 00:07:17,228 Where I came from, Tunisia. 140 00:07:17,854 --> 00:07:21,107 and where I learned the craft, Canada. 141 00:07:21,774 --> 00:07:23,359 Then for the showstopper, 142 00:07:23,443 --> 00:07:27,238 where we're going after, what to expect if you come to my bar. 143 00:07:27,321 --> 00:07:29,615 Once I open one. After this. 144 00:07:29,699 --> 00:07:32,743 The first drink is light and refreshing on the menu, right? 145 00:07:32,827 --> 00:07:34,912 -Yeah. -So, what's your idea? 146 00:07:34,996 --> 00:07:37,915 Uh, this drink is gonna transport you to Tunisia. 147 00:07:37,999 --> 00:07:39,459 -Where I come from. -Okay. 148 00:07:39,542 --> 00:07:40,793 [Tao] I have pomegranate juice. 149 00:07:40,877 --> 00:07:43,504 This is going to go in. I'm making a grenadine out of it. 150 00:07:43,588 --> 00:07:45,590 We have salted watermelon. 151 00:07:45,673 --> 00:07:48,759 I got family from Mississippi. We know about throwing salt on a watermelon. 152 00:07:48,843 --> 00:07:49,719 [Tao] Yeah, cool. 153 00:07:49,802 --> 00:07:52,305 My first cocktail is called A Night in Tunisia. 154 00:07:53,097 --> 00:07:57,143 It's basically vodka, a little bit of Blanco tequila. 155 00:07:57,226 --> 00:07:59,896 There's a lot of citrus, uh, salted watermelon juice. 156 00:08:00,480 --> 00:08:03,649 And then the ingredient that makes it, like, you know... 157 00:08:05,067 --> 00:08:07,528 is a Ras Hanout tincture. 158 00:08:07,612 --> 00:08:08,863 So this is a Ras Hanout. 159 00:08:08,946 --> 00:08:13,034 {\an8}Uh, so, it's a very common North African spice blend. 160 00:08:13,117 --> 00:08:14,702 {\an8}The drink is light and refreshing, 161 00:08:14,785 --> 00:08:16,787 but I'm not just gonna give you light and refreshing. 162 00:08:16,871 --> 00:08:18,623 -We're gonna give you complex. -[Tone] I know. 163 00:08:18,706 --> 00:08:20,708 I know you're not gonna just give me anything. 164 00:08:28,925 --> 00:08:30,551 [LP] This is Amontillado sherry. 165 00:08:30,635 --> 00:08:34,388 I'm putting it in my spheres, because I love sherry so much. 166 00:08:35,181 --> 00:08:37,016 My theme is connecting 167 00:08:37,099 --> 00:08:40,102 {\an8}the African-American experience in food and beverage 168 00:08:40,186 --> 00:08:41,979 {\an8}all the way into my own experience 169 00:08:42,063 --> 00:08:44,899 {\an8}utilizing tea as the common thread throughout three cocktails. 170 00:08:44,982 --> 00:08:47,985 I'm not a Southern girl, but we drink a lot of sweet tea. 171 00:08:48,069 --> 00:08:50,112 My mom always made it growing up. 172 00:08:50,196 --> 00:08:52,740 -Hi, LP. I love your sparkles. -Hi, how's it going? 173 00:08:52,823 --> 00:08:53,741 Thanks! 174 00:08:53,824 --> 00:08:56,994 I wanted to peek in here and see what you got going. 175 00:08:57,078 --> 00:08:58,371 What's your plan for your menu? 176 00:08:58,454 --> 00:09:00,915 Yeah, I'm going to be focusing on teas. 177 00:09:00,998 --> 00:09:04,877 -Um, starting out with, uh, mint tea. -Excellent. 178 00:09:05,545 --> 00:09:09,215 [LP] The name of my first cocktail is Bountiful Impressions. 179 00:09:09,298 --> 00:09:12,969 I'm using gin, a melon, lime, and ginger oleo-saccharum, 180 00:09:13,052 --> 00:09:15,179 mint tea with a cherry mint sphere. 181 00:09:15,263 --> 00:09:17,557 We're really going to focus on slaves 182 00:09:17,640 --> 00:09:19,642 and how they were caregivers, 183 00:09:19,725 --> 00:09:23,563 ultimately influencing the way that folks eat and drink food. 184 00:09:24,188 --> 00:09:26,566 They took mint, which is a weed, 185 00:09:26,649 --> 00:09:29,652 making it a beverage, a very decadent experience. 186 00:09:29,735 --> 00:09:31,696 It's utilized all over the world as a garnish. 187 00:09:32,613 --> 00:09:34,824 The reason I'm adding a cherry mint sphere 188 00:09:34,907 --> 00:09:38,494 is because this element makes my cocktail a bit more elevated. 189 00:09:40,580 --> 00:09:43,457 {\an8}First course in 20 minutes! 190 00:09:44,125 --> 00:09:46,043 {\an8}[thrilling music continues] 191 00:09:46,127 --> 00:09:48,671 {\an8}I am making a dulce de leche syrup. 192 00:09:48,754 --> 00:09:52,049 Dulce de leche is sweet milk, essentially. 193 00:09:53,843 --> 00:09:56,971 I work well under pressure. I'm ahead of schedule. I'm feeling good. 194 00:09:57,054 --> 00:10:00,766 Almost got my cocktail ready. It's time to focus on number two. 195 00:10:05,938 --> 00:10:08,733 [Tao] I kind of saw this giant loofah. 196 00:10:08,816 --> 00:10:11,819 This is a Tunisian thing that I also grew up with. 197 00:10:11,902 --> 00:10:14,280 How can I use it for the presentation? 198 00:10:14,363 --> 00:10:16,532 Five minutes! 199 00:10:16,616 --> 00:10:19,118 {\an8}[rapid tense music playing] 200 00:10:20,911 --> 00:10:23,748 She's freshly ripping the mint, so we're going to smell that. 201 00:10:23,831 --> 00:10:26,709 That's an initial apéritif, if you will, into the experience. 202 00:10:26,792 --> 00:10:28,127 Yep. That's what I was gonna say. 203 00:11:00,743 --> 00:11:01,869 Judges, drinks are up. 204 00:11:04,622 --> 00:11:08,542 {\an8}So the name of the cocktail is A Night in Tunisia. Please, enjoy. 205 00:11:08,626 --> 00:11:10,252 -[Frankie] Thank you. -Thank you, Tao. 206 00:11:10,336 --> 00:11:12,046 [Tao] I have to rush to continue. 207 00:11:12,129 --> 00:11:12,963 Oh yes. 208 00:11:13,047 --> 00:11:15,758 I think it's a good thing. I don't want to hear. 209 00:11:15,841 --> 00:11:17,885 If they give me comments now, 210 00:11:17,968 --> 00:11:21,847 like a little critique that is gonna maybe rub me the wrong way, 211 00:11:21,931 --> 00:11:24,016 then I'm gonna overthink back in the kitchen. 212 00:11:27,061 --> 00:11:28,229 It's... it's gorgeous. 213 00:11:28,312 --> 00:11:31,232 -I love the light coming out. -[Frankie] Beautiful. 214 00:11:31,315 --> 00:11:34,276 -I think this is very true to who he is. -[Frankie] Totally. 215 00:11:36,195 --> 00:11:37,196 [Tone] Lady LP. 216 00:11:37,279 --> 00:11:38,114 Hello! 217 00:11:38,989 --> 00:11:40,991 This is Bountiful Impressions. 218 00:11:41,075 --> 00:11:42,451 I'm gonna go to the kitchen. 219 00:11:42,535 --> 00:11:44,036 -[Julie] Thanks, LP. -[Tone] All right. 220 00:11:44,620 --> 00:11:46,539 [LP] I feel really good about my first cocktail. 221 00:11:46,622 --> 00:11:49,291 It's going to set them up for all the flavors to come. 222 00:11:49,375 --> 00:11:50,793 [Tone] I'm blown away by the sphere. 223 00:11:50,876 --> 00:11:54,171 I'm really looking forward to seeing how this ties in with her whole story. 224 00:11:57,508 --> 00:11:58,718 -Hi, Kate! -Hi! Welcome! 225 00:11:59,760 --> 00:12:01,512 {\an8}Name of my cocktail is Apple A Day. 226 00:12:01,595 --> 00:12:02,763 {\an8}[Tone] Apple A Day. 227 00:12:03,848 --> 00:12:06,058 [Kate] It's nerve-racking not knowing what they're saying, 228 00:12:06,142 --> 00:12:09,353 but right now, I don't care. I just got to get through this next cocktail. 229 00:12:10,855 --> 00:12:12,857 [Tone] She's going for a caramel apple. 230 00:12:12,940 --> 00:12:15,776 It tastes balanced. Yeah, this would be a great fall cocktail. 231 00:12:22,700 --> 00:12:24,535 {\an8}The first drink, I feel great about it. 232 00:12:24,618 --> 00:12:25,494 Let's get it. 233 00:12:25,578 --> 00:12:27,079 But for the second drink, 234 00:12:27,163 --> 00:12:29,832 I have a lot of stuff to do. A lot. 235 00:12:29,915 --> 00:12:31,625 Let's talk about course number two. 236 00:12:31,709 --> 00:12:35,254 {\an8}Course number two is spirit-forward. 237 00:12:35,337 --> 00:12:37,840 {\an8}All right. We got a lot to do, let's pick it up. 238 00:12:37,923 --> 00:12:41,427 [Frankie] This cocktail acts as a bridge. This is their second course. 239 00:12:41,510 --> 00:12:44,472 This is gonna tie together the first and the third cocktails. 240 00:12:46,265 --> 00:12:48,684 First drink up, pretty happy. 241 00:12:48,768 --> 00:12:53,981 Uh, I am going to now make my second and third cocktail 242 00:12:54,565 --> 00:12:56,609 and all the components for the showstopper. 243 00:12:57,359 --> 00:12:58,778 For my spirit-forward cocktail, 244 00:12:58,861 --> 00:13:03,783 I'm kind of playing on music with this one, the nostalgia of Elvis 245 00:13:04,450 --> 00:13:07,536 and his love of peanut butter and banana sandwiches. 246 00:13:07,620 --> 00:13:08,954 My grandparents loved Elvis, 247 00:13:09,038 --> 00:13:11,332 so it's a very nostalgic thing. 248 00:13:11,999 --> 00:13:15,795 This drink is going to be a peanut butter fat-washed Scotch, 249 00:13:16,295 --> 00:13:20,674 and I'm going to make a distillate of banana peels and ginger. 250 00:13:21,967 --> 00:13:24,178 I think it's important to challenge yourself 251 00:13:24,261 --> 00:13:25,638 and try new things. 252 00:13:26,639 --> 00:13:28,140 [Julie] Distilled banana peels. 253 00:13:28,224 --> 00:13:30,726 -I've never tasted that. Have you? -No. 254 00:13:31,435 --> 00:13:34,814 I have never done this before, so it's the perfect time to do it! 255 00:13:34,897 --> 00:13:37,817 $100,000! Now you try everything you've never done before. 256 00:13:37,900 --> 00:13:40,611 Her flavor combinations are very, very intelligent. 257 00:13:40,694 --> 00:13:44,490 There's a beautiful, beautiful approach that she takes to her flavor pairing. 258 00:13:46,116 --> 00:13:47,868 No, use that one for the front. 259 00:13:47,952 --> 00:13:49,411 -For here? -[Tao] Yeah. 260 00:13:49,495 --> 00:13:50,913 -Oh, okay. -[Tao] And then... 261 00:13:50,996 --> 00:13:53,374 My personal biggest obstacle has been myself, 262 00:13:53,457 --> 00:13:57,795 but I hope that the judges have seen a lot of growth in me. 263 00:13:57,878 --> 00:13:59,380 How do I use this? 264 00:13:59,463 --> 00:14:00,881 [Kate] It's "start" right there. 265 00:14:00,965 --> 00:14:02,132 How do I reset? 266 00:14:02,216 --> 00:14:03,259 Hold it. Yeah. 267 00:14:03,342 --> 00:14:07,388 {\an8}One hour until the second course! 268 00:14:07,471 --> 00:14:09,306 Are you boiling? Please, milk. 269 00:14:09,807 --> 00:14:11,851 [LP] Working on my second cocktail, the base spirit. 270 00:14:11,934 --> 00:14:15,020 So I'm infusing some Comté cheese into whiskey. 271 00:14:16,021 --> 00:14:18,566 So my cocktail will start out boozy stirred 272 00:14:18,649 --> 00:14:21,527 and then transition to another boozy stirred-style drink 273 00:14:21,610 --> 00:14:22,903 with a bit of acidity. 274 00:14:22,987 --> 00:14:25,865 Black tea will be seeping into the drink 275 00:14:25,948 --> 00:14:29,243 and as the judges sip on it, it will change over time. 276 00:14:29,326 --> 00:14:31,787 I thought it'd be really cool to pay homage to 277 00:14:31,871 --> 00:14:34,832 something that is often, you know, drank and consumed 278 00:14:34,915 --> 00:14:37,668 in a lot of Black American homes: sweet tea. 279 00:14:37,751 --> 00:14:41,714 When I was a kid, it was something my mom really, really enjoyed drinking. 280 00:14:42,298 --> 00:14:46,218 LP is mindful, and she is always focused. 281 00:14:47,344 --> 00:14:48,804 [LP] I've worked hard to get to this, 282 00:14:48,888 --> 00:14:51,015 and there have been moments where I wanted to quit. 283 00:14:51,098 --> 00:14:53,601 There have been moments when I wanted to just cry, 284 00:14:53,684 --> 00:14:57,479 but there was that little fire in my heart that was like, keep pushing, keep going. 285 00:14:58,939 --> 00:15:01,191 Tastes... [kisses] ...beautiful. 286 00:15:01,275 --> 00:15:03,235 [intriguing music playing] 287 00:15:03,319 --> 00:15:04,153 Yep. 288 00:15:04,236 --> 00:15:06,363 I came to Canada, 289 00:15:07,156 --> 00:15:09,366 a country so different from Tunisia. 290 00:15:09,450 --> 00:15:12,745 I didn't drink until the age of 23, 291 00:15:12,828 --> 00:15:15,623 so thinking that this is what I do now is mind-blowing. 292 00:15:16,457 --> 00:15:19,418 My cocktail is called Forest Fire. 293 00:15:20,085 --> 00:15:23,923 It's gonna have boreal spices-infused whiskey, 294 00:15:24,006 --> 00:15:28,344 wild mushroom tincture as well for the aromatics, to be sprayed. 295 00:15:28,427 --> 00:15:32,598 I have a lot of beautiful, wild ingredients 296 00:15:32,681 --> 00:15:35,142 that most Canadians don't even know 297 00:15:35,225 --> 00:15:37,436 that this is a boreal forest product. 298 00:15:37,519 --> 00:15:40,648 This is like a little of spices that we have in the forest. 299 00:15:40,731 --> 00:15:42,983 This is my ode to Canada. 300 00:15:43,484 --> 00:15:45,194 Tao, always been adventurous. 301 00:15:45,277 --> 00:15:46,779 I mean, that's just who he is. 302 00:15:46,862 --> 00:15:49,657 Places he's lived, the people he's met, the ingredients that he uses. 303 00:15:49,740 --> 00:15:52,868 He's a flavor nomad. You don't know where you're going to end up. 304 00:15:52,952 --> 00:15:54,995 [Julie] He is a nomad, though. He's very artistic. 305 00:15:55,079 --> 00:15:57,247 I feel like he's always painting us a picture. 306 00:15:57,331 --> 00:15:58,999 [Tao] No rest for the wicked. 307 00:15:59,083 --> 00:16:01,210 That's a saying, right? They say that? 308 00:16:01,293 --> 00:16:06,090 I'm making Nordic berry spirit, which is made using clear vodka. 309 00:16:06,924 --> 00:16:11,220 So I'm using Saskatoon berries, Haskap berries, seabuckthorns. 310 00:16:11,303 --> 00:16:14,431 These are, like, delicious berries. I think we should use these more. 311 00:16:16,016 --> 00:16:19,353 This cocktail is like tasting the forest floor 312 00:16:19,436 --> 00:16:22,272 of the Canadian wilderness in a good way. 313 00:16:22,356 --> 00:16:25,609 This is basically a blend of, uh, wild Canadian mushrooms. 314 00:16:25,693 --> 00:16:29,780 {\an8}[intriguing synth music playing] 315 00:16:32,616 --> 00:16:35,744 Elvis used to eat peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwiches. 316 00:16:35,828 --> 00:16:39,748 I don't wanna put bacon in the cocktail. I think it might overpower everything. 317 00:16:39,832 --> 00:16:43,377 So my plan is to make a bacon Scotch lollipop. 318 00:16:46,213 --> 00:16:47,673 {\an8}Just in time. 319 00:16:48,257 --> 00:16:50,634 I'm doing mac and cheese to pair with my second cocktail, 320 00:16:50,718 --> 00:16:52,970 because I have a Comté-infused rye, 321 00:16:53,053 --> 00:16:55,514 and really, it's to accent the cheese in the cocktail. 322 00:16:56,265 --> 00:16:58,976 Mac and cheese is the perfect thing to add to this menu. 323 00:16:59,059 --> 00:17:01,603 It's a staple of my home. My mom made it growing up. 324 00:17:02,229 --> 00:17:04,732 Kate. Sorry to bug, I think this is burning. 325 00:17:04,815 --> 00:17:07,735 Shit! I forgot to check it. Thank you. 326 00:17:08,777 --> 00:17:12,573 Five minutes! Five minutes till course two, and I'm very excited. 327 00:17:13,866 --> 00:17:17,494 [Tao] I'm gonna pour, like, a Nordic forest essence that I made 328 00:17:17,578 --> 00:17:18,704 on top of the dry ice. 329 00:17:18,787 --> 00:17:20,622 It's going to cover all the place. 330 00:17:20,706 --> 00:17:22,583 Gonna look great. 331 00:17:22,666 --> 00:17:25,711 There's literally mushrooms and snow 332 00:17:25,794 --> 00:17:27,463 tucked in all over the place, 333 00:17:27,546 --> 00:17:30,132 and they have to reach to get their drink. 334 00:17:30,716 --> 00:17:33,927 The Sensory Department called, and they're satisfied. 335 00:17:34,011 --> 00:17:37,890 [upbeat rhythmic music playing] 336 00:17:47,775 --> 00:17:48,734 [blows] 337 00:17:59,453 --> 00:18:00,871 [Tao] Judges, drinks are up. 338 00:18:02,956 --> 00:18:04,333 Wow. Wow, wow. 339 00:18:05,209 --> 00:18:06,126 Amazing. 340 00:18:06,627 --> 00:18:08,420 [aerosol spraying] 341 00:18:09,213 --> 00:18:10,631 [Tao] This is the Forest Fire. 342 00:18:11,131 --> 00:18:12,174 Please enjoy. 343 00:18:12,257 --> 00:18:14,301 I gotta go do my showstopper. 344 00:18:14,843 --> 00:18:15,677 Get to it, man. 345 00:18:15,761 --> 00:18:16,929 -Thanks. -Thank you, Tao. 346 00:18:17,012 --> 00:18:19,473 So this is our spirit-forward cocktail. 347 00:18:19,556 --> 00:18:20,849 Our second course. 348 00:18:21,558 --> 00:18:25,979 [Tao] I would have loved to stay and see how they were enjoying it. 349 00:18:26,063 --> 00:18:28,816 I'm hoping that everyone's gonna be happy with this one. 350 00:18:28,899 --> 00:18:30,734 There's definite cohesion happening here, 351 00:18:30,818 --> 00:18:33,362 with cocktail one, with that salted watermelon, 352 00:18:33,445 --> 00:18:36,365 cocktail two incorporating strawberries and tomato. 353 00:18:36,990 --> 00:18:38,242 -Hi, Kate! -[Kate] Hi! 354 00:18:39,118 --> 00:18:41,787 Welcome to A Hunka Hunka Burnin' Love. 355 00:18:41,870 --> 00:18:43,831 {\an8}Enjoy the cocktail. I gotta go! 356 00:18:47,459 --> 00:18:50,754 I'm confident in this cocktail. I taste the Scotch. It's balanced. 357 00:18:50,838 --> 00:18:53,799 There are notes that bring us from course one to course two. 358 00:18:54,424 --> 00:18:56,552 [Frankie] Sweet and rich for both courses. 359 00:18:58,137 --> 00:18:59,221 What's next? 360 00:18:59,304 --> 00:19:00,806 Hi, LP. 361 00:19:01,849 --> 00:19:04,977 [LP] This is my Punch of Ti cocktail, and I hope you enjoy. 362 00:19:05,519 --> 00:19:08,147 I'm gonna go run away now so I can finish my third cocktail. 363 00:19:08,230 --> 00:19:10,149 -Cheers. -[Tone] Thank you. 364 00:19:14,278 --> 00:19:18,782 [Julie] In her first cocktail, she gave us the mint. 365 00:19:18,866 --> 00:19:21,368 -The tea has been connecting this. -Right. 366 00:19:23,620 --> 00:19:25,706 {\an8}[intense music pulsating] 367 00:19:28,792 --> 00:19:31,837 I'm more nervous now, just obviously 'cause it's the end. 368 00:19:33,922 --> 00:19:35,048 {\an8}[Kate] Showstopper! 369 00:19:35,883 --> 00:19:36,842 {\an8}I have a lot to do. 370 00:19:39,136 --> 00:19:40,637 [LP] For the third cocktail, 371 00:19:40,721 --> 00:19:44,183 give the judges a cocktail that's in a glass with liquid, 372 00:19:44,266 --> 00:19:47,644 and additionally a deconstructed version of our cocktail. 373 00:19:47,728 --> 00:19:50,105 -One cocktail broken down in two ways? -[Julie] Yes. 374 00:19:50,189 --> 00:19:54,067 Traditional and deconstructed. So it's called a showstopper for a reason. 375 00:19:54,776 --> 00:19:56,028 [Frankie] Yeah, like at BarChef, 376 00:19:56,111 --> 00:19:58,864 we play around with deconstructing our cocktails all the time. 377 00:19:58,947 --> 00:20:00,949 It's really common in the culinary world. 378 00:20:01,033 --> 00:20:04,328 I'm so excited, because I want them to completely blow my mind. 379 00:20:04,411 --> 00:20:07,497 I'm gonna make a transparent coffee. 380 00:20:09,041 --> 00:20:13,295 My showstopper drink is going to be around the world trip. 381 00:20:13,378 --> 00:20:17,591 Coffee, cacao, mangosteen, Palo Santo, 382 00:20:18,342 --> 00:20:19,259 mixed with coffee. 383 00:20:19,801 --> 00:20:21,970 And then the deconstructed part, 384 00:20:22,054 --> 00:20:25,933 I'm doing transparent coffee Jell-O pebbles 385 00:20:26,016 --> 00:20:27,726 and mangosteen sponge cake. 386 00:20:28,268 --> 00:20:31,313 These are the flavors, the ingredients going into the drink. 387 00:20:31,396 --> 00:20:34,816 {\an8}[intriguing synth music playing] 388 00:20:39,947 --> 00:20:42,783 [LP] So they're expecting us to go really big, 389 00:20:42,866 --> 00:20:45,244 and I plan to give them all the nuts and bolts. 390 00:20:45,869 --> 00:20:47,621 I'm making candles for the third cocktail. 391 00:20:47,704 --> 00:20:49,331 I've never made a candle before. 392 00:20:49,414 --> 00:20:52,042 My traditional cocktail is going to be a milk punch. 393 00:20:52,125 --> 00:20:55,462 I have a cognac that has dates infused in it, 394 00:20:55,545 --> 00:20:58,006 milk, and then a hazelnut syrup. 395 00:20:59,383 --> 00:21:01,677 For deconstruction, I'm making a Baked Alaska 396 00:21:01,760 --> 00:21:03,553 with all the elements that are in my cocktail. 397 00:21:03,637 --> 00:21:06,431 I'm taking the dates that I use to infuse in my Cognac 398 00:21:06,515 --> 00:21:08,558 and placing them in my ice cream. 399 00:21:08,642 --> 00:21:11,311 The milk will be meringue on my plating, 400 00:21:11,395 --> 00:21:17,109 and lastly, the Earl Grey tea that will be in my cocktail 401 00:21:17,192 --> 00:21:19,152 will be in the cake on my plating. 402 00:21:20,445 --> 00:21:22,864 {\an8}[thrilling music playing] 403 00:21:22,948 --> 00:21:26,118 Um, I'm making a Cocoa Puff milk punch, 404 00:21:26,201 --> 00:21:29,871 hoping that the judges are impressed and amused at the same time. 405 00:21:29,955 --> 00:21:31,915 I'm featuring the nostalgia of cereal. 406 00:21:31,999 --> 00:21:34,376 My cocktail is going to be a milk punch. 407 00:21:34,459 --> 00:21:36,586 I'm going to soak cereal in the milk punch, 408 00:21:36,670 --> 00:21:38,630 so I'm going to make a cereal milk punch. 409 00:21:38,714 --> 00:21:40,966 Growing up, I didn't have a lot of money. 410 00:21:41,049 --> 00:21:43,635 My mom was a single mom and she struggled, 411 00:21:43,719 --> 00:21:46,179 and, you know, cereal was definitely a food group. 412 00:21:46,263 --> 00:21:48,098 I'm deconstructing it in a few different ways. 413 00:21:48,765 --> 00:21:51,226 Jell-O caviar, fennel foam. 414 00:21:51,310 --> 00:21:52,519 Everything I can think of. 415 00:21:52,602 --> 00:21:54,313 There is so much pressure in this challenge. 416 00:21:54,396 --> 00:21:55,856 It's quite intense. 417 00:21:55,939 --> 00:21:59,693 I'm taking all of the ingredients in the milk punch and made a jelly, 418 00:21:59,776 --> 00:22:02,446 and I'm going to take the leftover chocolate puffs 419 00:22:02,529 --> 00:22:04,948 and make them into a cracker. 420 00:22:08,285 --> 00:22:12,956 I need to make my cracker, and I put it in the oven and forget about it. [laughs] 421 00:22:14,458 --> 00:22:17,169 Just need my crackers to not be burnt. 422 00:22:17,252 --> 00:22:20,505 And it was really good and perfect and thin and just what I wanted. 423 00:22:20,589 --> 00:22:23,300 {\an8}[Tone] Five minutes, five minutes! 424 00:22:23,383 --> 00:22:25,761 {\an8}[LP] I don't know that I'm gonna get everything done. 425 00:22:25,844 --> 00:22:27,512 {\an8}May I invite you to the bar? 426 00:22:27,596 --> 00:22:30,724 -[Julie gasps] I thought you'd never ask. -Well, thank you. 427 00:22:31,266 --> 00:22:32,517 Let's go take our seats. 428 00:22:33,518 --> 00:22:34,978 [anticipatory music playing] 429 00:22:48,825 --> 00:22:51,661 {\an8}[Tone] We have one minute! One minute! 430 00:22:51,745 --> 00:22:52,746 {\an8}Sixty seconds! 431 00:23:01,213 --> 00:23:02,547 -[Tone] Ten seconds! -Yeah. 432 00:23:03,256 --> 00:23:04,633 [Tone] Nine seconds. 433 00:23:04,716 --> 00:23:06,051 Eight seconds. 434 00:23:06,134 --> 00:23:08,136 [judges applauding] 435 00:23:10,806 --> 00:23:12,182 [Tone] Two, one. 436 00:23:12,265 --> 00:23:14,059 Time's up! Hands up! 437 00:23:14,976 --> 00:23:16,937 [judges continue applauding] 438 00:23:22,067 --> 00:23:23,485 Tao, bring it on up. 439 00:23:23,568 --> 00:23:26,488 [Tao] I'm just all smiles. My face hurts. 440 00:23:27,572 --> 00:23:30,367 It's a great drink. I wish you can all taste it. 441 00:23:30,992 --> 00:23:31,993 Hello, judges. 442 00:23:34,913 --> 00:23:36,915 [Tone] Before we get to the showstopper, 443 00:23:36,998 --> 00:23:40,085 let's talk about your first course, A Night in Tunisia. 444 00:23:40,168 --> 00:23:43,255 Tao, your choice of ingredients was bold, 445 00:23:43,338 --> 00:23:45,298 daring, and authentic. 446 00:23:45,382 --> 00:23:46,216 We loved it. 447 00:23:46,299 --> 00:23:48,510 Can we just talk about the loofah cup holder? 448 00:23:49,052 --> 00:23:51,888 That was clever and definitely elevated the presentation. 449 00:23:51,972 --> 00:23:53,640 Between you, me, and the world, 450 00:23:53,723 --> 00:23:55,809 I think it's in my top five of the competition. 451 00:23:55,892 --> 00:23:57,894 Let's talk about Forest Fire, 452 00:23:57,978 --> 00:24:00,522 which was course two, spirit-forward. 453 00:24:01,231 --> 00:24:03,066 [Frankie] Tao, your presentation wowed me. 454 00:24:03,150 --> 00:24:06,319 The aromatics and the visuals really took us into that boreal forest. 455 00:24:06,945 --> 00:24:08,697 We felt that this cocktail was lighter 456 00:24:08,780 --> 00:24:12,033 than we would have expected for a spirit-forward cocktail, 457 00:24:12,117 --> 00:24:14,161 but it was very you, Tao. 458 00:24:14,244 --> 00:24:16,538 I would say it's Tao-forward. 459 00:24:16,621 --> 00:24:18,248 -Yes. -That's how I would put it. 460 00:24:19,332 --> 00:24:20,834 Let's pull up to the showstopper. 461 00:24:20,917 --> 00:24:24,296 -Let's go. -What is the name of your showstopper? 462 00:24:24,379 --> 00:24:27,466 My showstopper is called Dream Jungle. 463 00:24:27,549 --> 00:24:28,550 -[Tone] Dream Jungle? -Yes. 464 00:24:28,633 --> 00:24:30,760 I really wanted to show me again. 465 00:24:31,428 --> 00:24:34,014 Minimal, abstract, but packs a punch. 466 00:24:34,931 --> 00:24:38,310 So, cocoa butter-rum, distilled coffee, 467 00:24:38,393 --> 00:24:41,897 mangosteen, Palo Santo-smoked milk. 468 00:24:42,647 --> 00:24:45,025 Same thing here, deconstructed. 469 00:24:45,108 --> 00:24:48,528 The coffee you'll find in the Jell-O. The whipped cream has the cacao. 470 00:24:52,866 --> 00:24:56,244 So the cocktail for me, it reads very Daiquiri-like. 471 00:24:56,328 --> 00:24:58,163 It's well-balanced. 472 00:24:58,246 --> 00:25:00,040 It's really, really tasty. 473 00:25:00,123 --> 00:25:02,417 Tao, honestly, I really enjoyed this experience. 474 00:25:02,501 --> 00:25:06,213 There's a good, balanced amount of richness within the cocktail. 475 00:25:06,296 --> 00:25:09,090 I do taste the coffee notes, and it pops even more with the gel 476 00:25:09,174 --> 00:25:11,468 that you have, that's pulverized in the glass. 477 00:25:11,551 --> 00:25:12,636 That was really smart. 478 00:25:12,719 --> 00:25:14,262 Technically, it's very sound. 479 00:25:14,346 --> 00:25:16,681 It's a well-executed experience. 480 00:25:16,765 --> 00:25:17,724 Thanks, Frankie. 481 00:25:18,308 --> 00:25:23,313 It's great. Matter of fact, tell us why you should be the ultimate Drink Master. 482 00:25:23,396 --> 00:25:26,066 Cocktails and travel are literally what I live for. 483 00:25:26,149 --> 00:25:30,612 I think I see cocktails in a very, very unique way. 484 00:25:30,695 --> 00:25:32,072 [Tone] Mm-hmm. Tao... 485 00:25:32,822 --> 00:25:35,200 -Thank you. Amazing job as always. -Thank you. 486 00:25:35,283 --> 00:25:37,244 -[Tone] And good luck. -[Tao] Thank you. 487 00:25:37,744 --> 00:25:40,413 I'm very, very proud of the menu that I did. 488 00:25:41,081 --> 00:25:42,958 It describes me perfectly. 489 00:25:43,041 --> 00:25:44,834 I think I did super well. 490 00:25:46,461 --> 00:25:49,631 [LP] I feel really good about presenting my final cocktails to the judges. 491 00:25:49,714 --> 00:25:52,551 It's my opportunity to explain my inspiration and my story. 492 00:25:52,634 --> 00:25:54,594 -Let's start with light and refreshing. -[LP] Okay. 493 00:25:54,678 --> 00:25:57,514 LP, your cocktail was really delicious. 494 00:25:57,597 --> 00:25:59,933 I found it to be a hair too sweet, 495 00:26:00,016 --> 00:26:02,477 but it was very refreshing and light 496 00:26:02,561 --> 00:26:04,229 and a really beautiful job. 497 00:26:04,312 --> 00:26:08,316 And then you topped it off with a beautiful, delicious pop of flavor 498 00:26:08,400 --> 00:26:11,027 with that cherry mint sphere, It was a great touch of technique, 499 00:26:11,111 --> 00:26:12,779 and it was perfectly executed. 500 00:26:12,862 --> 00:26:15,240 I do agree with Julie when it comes to the sweetness. 501 00:26:15,323 --> 00:26:17,242 -Let's talk about your second course. -Okay. 502 00:26:17,325 --> 00:26:19,369 -The spirit-forward cocktail. -[LP] Mm-hmm. 503 00:26:19,452 --> 00:26:21,538 Punch of Ti. 504 00:26:21,621 --> 00:26:24,624 [Julie] LP, there was no mistaking it was spirit-forward. 505 00:26:24,708 --> 00:26:27,460 The rye and the rum really came through in the cocktail. 506 00:26:27,544 --> 00:26:29,421 The apricot was delicious. 507 00:26:29,504 --> 00:26:31,965 [Frankie] My only note is with the presentation. 508 00:26:32,048 --> 00:26:35,885 I was looking for like, you know, that multisensorial presentation. 509 00:26:35,969 --> 00:26:39,306 This mac and cheese came out of nowhere. I felt like I was at home. 510 00:26:40,307 --> 00:26:41,600 Course three. 511 00:26:41,683 --> 00:26:43,893 Tell us the name of your cocktail, and tell us about it. 512 00:26:44,561 --> 00:26:47,314 [LP] Third cocktail, third course, A Spoonful of Sugar. 513 00:26:51,901 --> 00:26:54,362 Take a bite of the dessert, then a sip of the cocktail. 514 00:26:55,280 --> 00:26:57,449 The dessert itself is Baked Alaska 515 00:26:57,532 --> 00:26:59,951 and then the Earl Grey is my, uh, sugar. 516 00:27:00,702 --> 00:27:03,705 Plenty of traditional Black family always have tea in their home. 517 00:27:03,788 --> 00:27:05,457 When I was a kid, that's all my mom drank. 518 00:27:05,540 --> 00:27:06,916 She really loves any tea. 519 00:27:07,000 --> 00:27:08,877 So this is inspired by that. 520 00:27:08,960 --> 00:27:10,587 Awesome. Love it. 521 00:27:10,670 --> 00:27:12,130 -[LP] Thank you. -Like, amazing. 522 00:27:12,213 --> 00:27:15,467 As soon as you presented this candle, I'm like, did LP do a scented candle? 523 00:27:15,550 --> 00:27:17,969 -I did! -[Frankie] You absolutely did. 524 00:27:18,053 --> 00:27:19,888 And it's amazing. It's so elegant. 525 00:27:19,971 --> 00:27:21,222 I think it's delicious. 526 00:27:21,306 --> 00:27:24,476 -I cannot believe you made a Baked Alaska... -I... don't know. 527 00:27:24,559 --> 00:27:25,894 ...and a mac and cheese today. 528 00:27:25,977 --> 00:27:26,853 [judges chuckle] 529 00:27:26,936 --> 00:27:28,980 [Julie] There's so many different components to it. 530 00:27:29,064 --> 00:27:34,069 I particularly love how the lemon curd and the ice cream kind of play together. 531 00:27:34,152 --> 00:27:36,905 And then, when you go to the cocktail, you get that Cognac, 532 00:27:36,988 --> 00:27:40,116 and the milk punch which has a bit of a creaminess to it. 533 00:27:40,200 --> 00:27:43,495 Tell us about why you should be the ultimate Drink Master. 534 00:27:43,578 --> 00:27:48,917 For me, this... this job is something that has turned into a surprise passion, 535 00:27:49,000 --> 00:27:50,835 and honestly, anyone watching, 536 00:27:50,919 --> 00:27:53,880 I hope they're just inspired and they feel that they can do this. 537 00:27:53,963 --> 00:27:56,049 I think it's going to be a lot of people, 538 00:27:56,633 --> 00:27:58,343 especially young Black women, 539 00:27:58,426 --> 00:28:00,970 that go, like, "Never thought about doing this." 540 00:28:01,054 --> 00:28:02,389 -[LP] I hope so. -And, uh... 541 00:28:02,472 --> 00:28:04,641 And I think you will be inspiring a lot of people. 542 00:28:04,724 --> 00:28:06,685 -I hope. -[Tone] Regardless of what they look like. 543 00:28:06,768 --> 00:28:09,312 But I think especially people that look like myself and you. 544 00:28:09,396 --> 00:28:11,940 You know how this goes. This is gonna be the hardest decision. 545 00:28:12,023 --> 00:28:14,859 Please go back to your station. We'll talk to you soon. Good job. 546 00:28:16,695 --> 00:28:19,489 [Kate] I'm proud of what I put out. I've made a lot of mistakes, 547 00:28:19,572 --> 00:28:24,077 and I've turned them into achievements, into happy accidents. 548 00:28:24,160 --> 00:28:26,204 I like to think I'm not an emotional person, 549 00:28:26,287 --> 00:28:27,956 but that's just a crock. [laughs] 550 00:28:28,039 --> 00:28:31,376 Kate, let's talk about your light and refreshing. 551 00:28:31,459 --> 00:28:33,753 First course was Apple a Day. 552 00:28:33,837 --> 00:28:34,671 Julie? 553 00:28:34,754 --> 00:28:36,256 [Julie] Kate, with the dulce de leche, 554 00:28:36,339 --> 00:28:40,135 I expected it to be a little bit heavier than it actually was. 555 00:28:40,218 --> 00:28:43,304 It was very tasty, and I really enjoyed the cocktail itself. 556 00:28:43,388 --> 00:28:46,349 -A fun, grown-up take on a caramel apple. -[Kate] Yeah. 557 00:28:46,433 --> 00:28:49,686 The dulce de leche flavor is a favorite of mine. 558 00:28:49,769 --> 00:28:52,230 Uh, I just found the cocktail overly rich. 559 00:28:52,313 --> 00:28:54,357 -But overall, it was a nice job. -Thank you. 560 00:28:54,441 --> 00:28:56,359 I'm going to jump straight into course two, 561 00:28:56,443 --> 00:28:57,610 our Elvis play, 562 00:28:58,403 --> 00:28:59,571 Hunka Hunka Burnin' Love. 563 00:28:59,654 --> 00:29:01,656 Frankie, I'm gonna throw this to you first. 564 00:29:01,740 --> 00:29:04,993 [Frankie] I would have loved to see a bit more of a refinement 565 00:29:05,076 --> 00:29:06,995 with the overall presentation. 566 00:29:07,078 --> 00:29:08,580 [Julie] But it was delicious 567 00:29:08,663 --> 00:29:11,249 and it was spirit-forward, which was what we asked for. 568 00:29:11,332 --> 00:29:15,253 The whiskey worked really nicely, but the cocktail was absolutely delicious. 569 00:29:15,336 --> 00:29:16,963 [Tone] Cocktail-wise, great. 570 00:29:17,046 --> 00:29:18,590 Lollipop, great. 571 00:29:18,673 --> 00:29:20,508 Let's talk about course three, 572 00:29:20,592 --> 00:29:22,135 the showstopper. 573 00:29:22,218 --> 00:29:24,971 {\an8}[Kate] So this cocktail is called Boys to the Yard, 574 00:29:25,054 --> 00:29:27,599 {\an8}and is a clarified milk punch, 575 00:29:27,682 --> 00:29:30,018 {\an8}but is made with cereal milk from Cocoa Puffs, 576 00:29:30,560 --> 00:29:33,772 Mezcal, Amaro, toasted fennel, orange, and bergamot. 577 00:29:34,856 --> 00:29:36,566 Take a sip of the cocktail. Enjoy it. 578 00:29:36,649 --> 00:29:39,903 Then you have broken down components of the cocktail. 579 00:29:39,986 --> 00:29:43,656 The sphere is orange Mezcal along with a fennel foam. 580 00:29:46,576 --> 00:29:48,411 [Julie] Kate, I loved the presentation. 581 00:29:48,495 --> 00:29:51,080 I think the cocktail's really tasty. I love Mezcal. 582 00:29:51,164 --> 00:29:56,336 It fits in with your whole nostalgia from your... you know, from being younger, 583 00:29:56,419 --> 00:29:58,171 and you probably ate Cocoa Puffs. 584 00:29:58,254 --> 00:30:00,924 I ate one and thought, "Oh yeah, I remember that." 585 00:30:01,007 --> 00:30:02,967 -[Kate laughs] Thank you. -[Julie] Really good job. 586 00:30:03,051 --> 00:30:04,969 The cocktail was actually really nice. 587 00:30:05,053 --> 00:30:07,639 It was very delicious, also quite creative 588 00:30:07,722 --> 00:30:11,601 with using the, you know, the cereal milk to clarify the cocktail. 589 00:30:12,268 --> 00:30:16,397 And then also the pairing of Mezcal and cacao. Love it. 590 00:30:16,481 --> 00:30:20,401 All around, I think each have been a conversation starter, right? 591 00:30:20,485 --> 00:30:22,695 Everybody can talk about their favorite cereal growing up, 592 00:30:22,779 --> 00:30:23,988 the milk that they drank after. 593 00:30:24,072 --> 00:30:26,199 -So I really, really enjoyed it. -Thank you. 594 00:30:26,282 --> 00:30:29,035 With that said, tell us why you should be the ultimate Drink Master. 595 00:30:29,118 --> 00:30:31,454 You know, I think this is my life, for sure. 596 00:30:31,538 --> 00:30:33,373 I want to make my staff proud. 597 00:30:33,456 --> 00:30:37,043 Um, I want to give back to the bartending community. I love what I do. 598 00:30:37,126 --> 00:30:38,503 This is... this is me. 599 00:30:38,586 --> 00:30:40,171 This is always going to be me. 600 00:30:40,255 --> 00:30:43,716 I always want to serve people. I always want to make people happy. 601 00:30:43,800 --> 00:30:46,511 If you're wondering if people are gonna be inspired and proud of you? 602 00:30:47,220 --> 00:30:48,471 Do not worry about that. 603 00:30:50,265 --> 00:30:51,599 You want to be seen? 604 00:30:51,683 --> 00:30:54,060 -We see you. -[Kate crying] Thank you. 605 00:30:54,936 --> 00:30:57,105 -[exhales emotionally] -[all applauding] 606 00:30:59,107 --> 00:31:03,695 The three of you truly, and absolutely, deserve our congratulations. 607 00:31:03,778 --> 00:31:06,573 We have an almost impossible decision to make. 608 00:31:07,699 --> 00:31:10,451 So if you don't mind, take a break while we deliberate. 609 00:31:10,952 --> 00:31:14,247 I've poured my last drink, and it's all up to the judges now. 610 00:31:17,166 --> 00:31:18,251 Where do we start? 611 00:31:18,334 --> 00:31:19,294 For this challenge, 612 00:31:19,377 --> 00:31:23,339 we wanted them to give us a cohesive menu with a story 613 00:31:23,423 --> 00:31:26,801 and really tie each drink, one to the next. 614 00:31:26,885 --> 00:31:28,094 So let's go through it. Tao. 615 00:31:28,177 --> 00:31:29,846 Tao's a little more abstract than most. 616 00:31:29,929 --> 00:31:32,807 I call him a magician all the time. He does stuff I'm not expecting. 617 00:31:32,891 --> 00:31:34,976 The edibles that he had on the side, 618 00:31:35,059 --> 00:31:38,104 the flavor pairings that he does, the ingredients that he uses. 619 00:31:38,187 --> 00:31:40,815 He also told us a story about his life, you know? 620 00:31:40,899 --> 00:31:44,819 I mean, I loved how he sort of took us to where he's been, 621 00:31:44,903 --> 00:31:48,281 you know, where he's from in Tunisia, moving to Canada, 622 00:31:48,364 --> 00:31:49,949 and then where he wants to go. 623 00:31:50,033 --> 00:31:52,243 He loves getting out there and seeing the world, 624 00:31:52,327 --> 00:31:55,330 -and that was apparent in his story. -[Frankie] Mm-hmm. 625 00:31:55,413 --> 00:31:56,581 Let's talk about LP's menu. 626 00:31:56,664 --> 00:31:58,875 Her through line, I'm gonna say tea. 627 00:31:58,958 --> 00:32:00,960 A lot of layers, but tea was what she went with. 628 00:32:01,044 --> 00:32:03,379 She used a different tea for each course. 629 00:32:03,463 --> 00:32:07,926 [Julie] She really pushed to give you some of those more modernist techniques 630 00:32:08,009 --> 00:32:09,844 in all three of her courses. 631 00:32:09,928 --> 00:32:13,473 Very refined, beautiful balance as well, which was really, really nice. 632 00:32:13,556 --> 00:32:16,017 Kate always has a good theme. I love Kate's themes. 633 00:32:16,100 --> 00:32:19,145 Kate's overall theme with her cocktails today was nostalgia, 634 00:32:19,228 --> 00:32:20,188 which is so powerful. 635 00:32:20,271 --> 00:32:21,814 It becomes emotional, immersive. 636 00:32:21,898 --> 00:32:25,944 Visceral, you know, and I really enjoyed that element of her presentation. 637 00:32:26,027 --> 00:32:28,821 I think everybody really did a great job 638 00:32:28,905 --> 00:32:32,200 of really nailing their menus and their flow. 639 00:32:32,867 --> 00:32:34,494 That's why this is so difficult. 640 00:32:34,577 --> 00:32:40,625 But with that said, do you know who the ultimate Drink Master is? 641 00:32:41,209 --> 00:32:42,043 We do. 642 00:32:42,126 --> 00:32:43,169 We do. 643 00:32:43,252 --> 00:32:44,462 Let's crown a champ. 644 00:32:48,132 --> 00:32:50,843 [tense music playing] 645 00:32:50,927 --> 00:32:52,095 Next to my divorce, 646 00:32:52,178 --> 00:32:54,847 this is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. [laughs] 647 00:32:55,807 --> 00:32:58,184 There was honestly never a moment I thought I could win this 648 00:32:58,267 --> 00:33:00,103 until I was in the finale. 649 00:33:00,186 --> 00:33:03,731 I'm pretty much a realist in that way, but it would be really sweet to win. 650 00:33:03,815 --> 00:33:04,649 It really would. 651 00:33:04,732 --> 00:33:06,359 If I vomit, can I use your hat? 652 00:33:06,859 --> 00:33:08,695 -Yeah. -Thank you. 653 00:33:08,778 --> 00:33:12,782 To be honest, I came since the beginning thinking I can win this. 654 00:33:13,408 --> 00:33:16,035 Here I am with my chance to win it all. 655 00:33:16,119 --> 00:33:17,495 Man, I hope I win. 656 00:33:18,621 --> 00:33:22,000 The judges... have reached a decision. 657 00:33:22,709 --> 00:33:24,711 Tao, LP, Kate. 658 00:33:25,712 --> 00:33:29,465 The three of you are here in this moment 'cause you earned it. 659 00:33:29,549 --> 00:33:32,218 Tonight, you took us on three very distinct, 660 00:33:32,301 --> 00:33:35,179 very personal mixology journeys. 661 00:33:36,305 --> 00:33:40,101 Trying to decide which three-course bar menu we enjoyed the most 662 00:33:40,184 --> 00:33:43,187 came down to the tiniest of details. 663 00:33:43,271 --> 00:33:47,191 The first ultimate Drink Master is... 664 00:33:48,568 --> 00:33:50,737 [tense music building] 665 00:33:52,780 --> 00:33:53,656 ...LP. 666 00:33:54,282 --> 00:33:55,241 Oh God. 667 00:33:55,324 --> 00:33:56,993 -Congratulations, LP. -[all applauding] 668 00:33:57,076 --> 00:33:58,453 [LP] That's fucking wild. 669 00:33:58,536 --> 00:34:01,456 You are the ultimate Drink Master. 670 00:34:03,374 --> 00:34:04,876 -[Kate] Cheers. -[Tao] Congrats. 671 00:34:04,959 --> 00:34:06,002 [LP] Holy shit! 672 00:34:06,085 --> 00:34:07,795 Thinking back to when I started bartending, 673 00:34:07,879 --> 00:34:09,547 there were so many people who invested in me 674 00:34:09,630 --> 00:34:11,215 and provided me with opportunities, 675 00:34:11,299 --> 00:34:15,762 so I really hope to be able to do that for many, many, many others. 676 00:34:15,845 --> 00:34:17,805 Congratulations to all y'all. 677 00:34:19,057 --> 00:34:20,308 So proud. So inspired. 678 00:34:20,391 --> 00:34:22,643 Thank y'all for letting me take this journey with y'all. 679 00:34:22,727 --> 00:34:24,687 -Congrats to both you, truly. -[Kate] You too. 680 00:34:24,771 --> 00:34:26,314 I won for me, 681 00:34:26,397 --> 00:34:28,399 and I accomplished what I want, 682 00:34:28,483 --> 00:34:31,611 and I feel good about what I did. 683 00:34:31,694 --> 00:34:34,363 [Kate] The best part of this experience was the people I met. 684 00:34:34,447 --> 00:34:37,658 I have a new family, and that's the best prize. 685 00:34:37,742 --> 00:34:38,951 [pops] 686 00:34:39,035 --> 00:34:41,204 -Hey! -Oh! [laughing] 687 00:34:42,038 --> 00:34:42,872 [Kate] Yeah! 688 00:34:42,955 --> 00:34:45,083 [cheering] 689 00:34:48,086 --> 00:34:49,170 Let's grab some champagne. 690 00:34:49,253 --> 00:34:50,421 [Julie laughs] 691 00:34:50,505 --> 00:34:51,923 -Cheers! -[Frankie] Congratulations. 692 00:34:52,006 --> 00:34:53,007 Cheers to LP. 693 00:34:53,091 --> 00:34:54,008 [Julie chuckles] 694 00:34:54,801 --> 00:34:55,635 [all] Cheers. 695 00:34:55,718 --> 00:34:58,554 And now, enough about LP, back to me. 696 00:34:58,638 --> 00:35:00,765 Cheers to you at home. 697 00:35:00,848 --> 00:35:03,184 Thank you for watching Drink Masters. 698 00:35:03,267 --> 00:35:06,854 Give it up for LP one more time, our new ultimate Drink Master. 699 00:35:06,938 --> 00:35:08,564 -[all applauding] -Whoo! 700 00:35:08,648 --> 00:35:11,234 I'm the ultimate Drink Master! [chuckles] 701 00:35:11,901 --> 00:35:14,028 [closing theme music playing]