An annual celebration of the creativity and innovation in today’s global bar scene, eight of the best mixologists in the British Isles were tasked with creating a Bacardi rum cocktail that demonstrated the brand’s history and could become an instant classic. They were selected from regional heats in September, judged by a panel of respected industry experts.
From Griffiths’ take on the switchel, something he described as ‘the original mocktail’, to Pluck’s inventive use of sherry and coffee liqueur, each bartender took to the stage at London’s Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design to showcase their creation.
Metinee Kongsrivilai, Bacardi UK brand ambassador and competition judge, said: “There can only be three most promising and Iain, Oli and Santi not only showed off their mixing skills, but the stories behind their cocktails also had great imagination.”
Over the course of the next few months, the three bartenders will promote their signature Bacardi cocktail. The most successful campaigner will be announced on 15 March 2016 as the UK representative at the global finals in San Francisco.
IAIN GRIFFITHS: Dandelyan, Mondrian Hotel
‘Carta Switchel’
60ml Bacardi Carta Oro
20ml Grapefruit Juice
5ml Apple Vinegar
5ml Sugar Syrup
3ml dash Angostura
Method: Build in a highball, swizzle with crushed ice and garnish with a grapefruit twist.
OLIVER PLUCK: The East Village (Leeds)
‘Amistat’
37.5ml Bacardi Carta Oro
12.5ml Woodford Reserve
12.5ml Amontillado Sherry
10ml Coffee Liqueur
3 dash of spiced chocolate bitters
Method: Stir ingredients with ice and serve on the rocks with an orange twist garnish.
SANTIAGO MICHELIS: Happiness Forgets
‘The Knot’
45ml Bacardi Carta Blanca
25ml fresh mandarin juice
5ml lemon juice
15ml honey syrup (1:1)
12.5ml Martini Bitter aperitivo
1 dash Angostura bitters
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and serve straight up.
