Ben Lomond Scottish Gin, the Official Gin of The Open, has announced the winner of its 2026 Official Serve of The Open competition – a creative celebration of flavour, storytelling, and adventure inspired by this year’s championship at Royal Birkdale.
Branford Edgar, of Kelvingrove Café, a restaurant and cocktail bar in Glasgow, has been named this year’s winner for his refreshing and seasonal cocktail creation, the ‘Solstice Sling’.
Now in its third year, Serve of The Open continues to celebrate bartenders from across the UK and Europe, challenging them to craft imaginative serves inspired by The Open, the host venue, and Ben Lomond Gin’s adventurous spirit.
Competitors were tasked with creating a cocktail using Ben Lomond Scottish Gin that captured the atmosphere, landscape, and character of Royal Birkdale through flavour and creativity.
The judging panel featured an esteemed group of industry experts and special guests, with finalists selected following a series of qualifying rounds showcasing originality, technique, and storytelling.
This year’s winning serve was crafted as an ode to the ‘warmth, freshness, and beauty’ of summer morning golf at Royal Birkdale. Built around Ben Lomond Scottish Gin, the cocktail combines caramelised honeydew and basil cordial, fresh lime juice, sugar syrup, and ginger beer, finished with a fresh basil leaf garnish.
Crafted to reflect the bright coastal atmosphere and long summer days synonymous with The Open, the serve balances refreshing citrus, soft sweetness, and aromatic herbal notes – capturing both the elegance of Royal Birkdale and Ben Lomond’s spirit of exploration and creativity.
“Serve of The Open continues to showcase the incredible creativity and craftsmanship within the bartending community, and this year’s entries captured the spirit of Royal Birkdale brilliantly”, said Andy Jack, Group Marketing Director at Loch Lomond Group. “Branford’s ‘Solstice Sling’ stood out for its balance of flavour, storytelling, and seasonality – perfectly reflecting the atmosphere of summer golf and the adventurous character of Ben Lomond Scottish Gin. We’re delighted to bring this winning serve to fans attending The 154th Open and to continue celebrating memorable experiences through great gin and world-class hospitality.”
The Solstice Sling will be available for fans and visitors to enjoy throughout The 154th Open at the Ben Lomond Gin Garden, Loch Lomond Whiskies Stand, the Patrons Pavilion and the Players Clubhouse – as well as select participating venues across Birkdale.
Official Serve of The Open – Solstice Sling – Recipe
- 40ml Ben Lomond Gin
- 30ml Caramelised Honeydew & Basil Cordial
- 15ml Lime Juice
- 5ml Sugar Syrup
- Top with Ginger Beer
- Garnish with a basil leaf