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Bacardi’s National Cocktail Competition Winner is…..

Gn Chan-1 copy

February 26, 2016 – Imagine being the winner of a huge, national competition to find the best original cocktail recipe in the United States.  That’s what happened to Gn Chan of Angel’s Share in New York this past Monday at the Regional Finals of the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) Legacy Cocktail Showcase sponsored by Bacardi Rum.

Held in San Francisco, six competitors from across the country stirred and shook their recipes in front of an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd that included many fellow bartenders who applauded and cheered each contestant.  For their part, the contestants performed like seasoned reality TV stars making it a very fun evening.

USBG Legacy logoThe USBG national competition will culminate in the Global Final on April 24, again being held in San Francisco.  Gn Chan will represent the USA shaking it up against 35 other competitors from all around the world.  The competition seeks to uncover a new generation of cocktails that will endure to become classics of the future.  In its eighth year, the Global Legacy Cocktail Competition attracts literally thousands of entries.  Last year’s winner was Franck Dedieu of France with his drink “Le Latin”.  Among the judges this coming April will be Dale DeGroff who The Wall Street Journal credited with “…trying to achieve for spirits in the 1990s what culinary pioneers like James Beard did for food in the 1950s”.  Mr. DeGroff honed his exceptional talent and techniques as the bartender of the legendary Rainbow Room atop 30 Rockefeller Center. Today’s cocktail culture is indebted to his introducing people to new flavors and old recipes.

The mixologists were required to use Bacardi Superior or Bacardi Gold rum to create their classic cocktail.  A classic cocktail is defined by balance, flavor, quality of ingredients and aesthetic appeal, as well as enduring popularity and the story behind it.  All of the cocktails created by the six contestants were amazingly different and all were absolutely delicious.  We respect their creative genius and we’re happy to share all six recipes below.

Winning Cocktail:

Venceremos”
Gn Chan, Angel’s Share, New York

Gn Chan Bacardi cocktail

1.5 parts BACARDÍ Superior
.5 part Coconut Liqueur
.8 part Pineapple Juice
.5 part Cucumber Juice
.2 part Lime Juice
1 dash Sesame Oil
Combine all ingredients and shake. Strain into a rocks glass with one large ice cube and garnish with a pineapple leaf.

“Pa’ Los Santos”
Chris Rolon, Regent Cocktail Club, Miami

Chris Rolon-1

1.5 parts Bacardi Superior
.75 part Lime Juice
.5 part Honey-Habanero Syrup
.5 part Guava Puree
2 Cuban Oregano Leaves

“Café Cana”
Alex Schmaling, The Dawson, Chicago

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1.5 parts Bacardi Gold
.5 part Luxardo Amaro Abano
.5 part Lemon Juice
.5 part Coffee Demerara
Angostura Bitters

“Major Chord”
Nick Detrich, Cane & Table, New Orleans

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1.5 parts Bacardi Superior
1 part White Quinquina
.25 part White Crème de Cacao
.25 part Grapefruit Liqueur
2 dashes Orange Bitters

“Bravo Zulu”
Vincent Toscano, Rye, San Francisco

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1.5 parts Bacardi Superior
.5 part Noilly Prat Rouge
.5 Lime Juice
.25 part Cinnamon Syrup
.5 part Pineapple Juice

“El Empresario”
Joe Frade, The Fields Bar & Grill, Portland

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1 part Bacardi Gold
.75 part Innocente Fino Sherry
.5 part d’Ussé Cognac
.5 part Sugar Cane Cola Syrup
.25 part Licor 43
Heavy spray of Wahaka Reposado Mezcal