Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition Argentina Finals 2017

Since I began playing around with drinks and exploring the global cocktail scene I have been obsessed with the Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition. Last year I was honored to be invited as media to cover the event in San Francisco and earlier this week I just happen to be hanging out with one of my favorite bartenders at J.W. Bradley in Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires and they invited us to attend the Argentinean final. So last night we made our way to the Faena Hotel to find out who would be attending the global final in Berlin and although all the contestants were amazing the judges decided that this year Ludovico De Biaggi, Bar Manager of BASA would represent Argentina with his “Tropical Lady” cocktail. Both of his competitors Americo Borzone and Luis Miranda work at The Harrison Speakeasy in Palermo Soho, which we haven’t visited yet but are excited to shortly as it seems clear the drinks there are going to be great.

Bacardi kept the drinks flowing freely all night and it was great to get better acquainted with our Instagram friend Francisco of Holy Champagne and the awesome staff of J.W. Bradley. We also got to meet a lot of the other amazing hospitality staff from around the city and even some who came from other parts of Argentina, which was an added bonus. The general day-to-day hospitality in Latin America is amazing but being surrounded by those who dedicate their lives to serving others and making sure everyone is always smiling is humbling even to a southern girl.

In order of appearance:

“Constantino”, by Américo Borzone

• 2 ounces Bacardí Carta Blanca
• 1 ounce lime juice
• ½ ounce honey syrup
• 1 ounce St-Germain
• Spritz of absinthe
• Splash of soda
• Garnish: Slice of dehydrated lime

“Cuba unites us”, by Luis Miranda

• 2 ounces Bacardi 8
• 1 ounce almond horchata
• ¾ ounce cold brew coffee
• ½ ounce banana syrup
• ¼ ounce St-Germain
• Garnish: Orange twist

“Tropical Lady”, by Ludovico De Biaggi

• 2 ounces Bacardi 8
• ¼ ounce Maraschino liquor
• 2 drops Angostura aromatic bitters
• 1 ¼ ounce banana paste
• 1 ounce lime juice
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• Garnish: Dehydrated banana chip