A student at Croydon College won third place at an international competition to find the perfect cocktail.

Xiang Xiang Lu came third overall in the Galvin Cup competition and won first place in the best technical skills category at the Dorchester Hotel in Park Lane.

The competitors had to mix three dry vodka martinis and then to mix three portions of a cocktail that they had invented themselves.

Miss Lu’s cocktail was named “Summer Chill” and included Belvedere Pure vodka, sloe gin, cranberry juice, spiced citrus tea and a Hibiscus flower garnish.

She said: “It was a great experience, but I was very nervous.”

She has completed her level 3 qualification at Croydon College and is gaining work experience at the fashionable Sketch bar and restaurant in Mayfair.

This is only the second time that Croydon College has entered a candidate in the competition and on both occasions they have been among the winners.

Joyce Milne, head of catering and hospitality at the college, was delighted with the result.

She said: “Xiang has been a very conscientious student throughout the year and I’m sure that she has a great career ahead of her.”

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