AN AYRSHIRE bartender has been toasting success - after his cocktail was named the 'official serve' of this year's Open Championship.

Robbie Quinn won a competition run by the event's official gin, Loch Lomond Gins, which asked the nation's most skilled mixologists to create a unique serve which encapsulates the essence of Troon.

Robbie, a team leader at the town's Scotts Bar and Restaurant, won first place with his cocktail, ‘The White Horse’, which includes a refreshing blend of Ben Lomond Gin, cucumber and mint oleo, fresh lime, absinthe, seaweed bitters, saline and sparkling water.

He commented: “It’s an honour to have my cocktail chosen as the Official Serve of The Open.

"Having grown up in Ayrshire, there’s nothing quite like the sea breeze and the sight of sandy shores to make you feel right at home, which is exactly what I’ve tried to capture in ‘The White Horse’.

“The combination of the varied and unique botanicals found in Ben Lomond Gin mixed with seaweed bitters, cucumber, and lime creates a serve that I believe captures Scottish sea air in a glass.”

The victory was also a real full circle moment for Robbie, whose first job bartending was in his home town, at the West Kilbride Golf Club.

He added: “I’ve never been to The Open before so to attend for the first time, to present my own creation as the named Official Serve, is a huge privilege.

“My first bartending job was actually at the West Kilbride Golf Club, and I’ve always had an interest in golf thanks to my dad and grandad.

"With The Open returning to my home county, this feels like a full circle moment, and I have Ben Lomond Gin to thank for this fantastic opportunity.”

John Grieveson, chief marketing officer of Ben Lomond Gin's owner, the Loch Lomond Group, highlighted Robbie's talents after he overcame stiff competition to be crowned the winner.

He said: “We tasked our talented mixologists with drawing inspiration from not just ingredients but the essence, history and adventurous spirit that makes Troon, Troon.

"The standards were set incredibly high but ultimately, Robbie’s skilfully executed serve stole the show.

“I’d like to thank our expert judging panel of food, drink and golf professionals, including Sarah Campbell from The Herald and PGA professional golfer Hannah Davies, who had a very hard decision to make.”