Eric Van Beek from the Netherlands has beat out seven finalists to win the tenth Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition in Mexico City.
Australian representative James Irvine and Ana Alicia Herrera from Mexico were both runners-up.
The final round was held at the Museo Numismático Nacional in Mexico City in front of 400 guests.
Van Beek’s winning cocktail was called Cariño; a shaken cocktail combining Bacardi Reserva Ocho rum with Yellow Chartreuse, Greek yoghurt, vanilla syrup and lemon juice.
“It’s such an honour now to be one of only 10 people who have won this competition,” says Van Beek. “This whole week has been incredible, I’ve met a lot of people, I’ve learnt a lot about myself and collaborated with others; it really has been an insightful week.”
Judges remarked the drink was “a winner for obvious reasons”, and that it “beautifully showcased the rum”.
Barcardi will offer year-long support to Van Beek to further his career as a bartender by creating tailored experiences, gain worldwide recognition for his drink and provide a platform to serve Cariño at bars around the globe.