The postponed 2020 Bacardi Legacy Global Final will go ahead virtually this year on 30 June, and will offer all 40 global competitors the opportunity to secure a US$5,000 grant, in addition to competing for the global title.
Pre-COVID, finalists would fly to Miami in May for the week long celebration, showcasing their "Legacy Cocktail".
Australia's representative, Adam Dow of Dead Ringer in Sydney was announced as Australia’s representative, winning with his cocktail The Golden Rule. Dow’s drink was judged not only for its ingredients and methods used to create a stunning cocktail for the ages, but also the expertise in promoting the drink to the public. In the end, his slick presentation skills and the delicious flavour won the judges over.
He said: “For the finals, I’m focusing on impressing the judges with my ease and simplicity of my Bacardi cocktail, The Golden Rule. The Golden Rule says that you should treat others as you’d wish to be treated. But famed American restaurateur Danny Meyer wrote in ‘Setting the Table’ that it’s not a blanket rule in hospitality – more, it’s about treating others how they wish to be treated.
“As we’re moving virtually for the competition this year, the judges will be tasting my cocktail made by top bartenders in London which is pretty crazy! I think it’s great the competition is going ahead and in this new online format, it shows people that these cocktails don’t need to be over the top and can be made anywhere in the world, anytime. ”
National Advocacy Manager for Bacardi Australia, Georgina Mann says, “The changes that have been made to the competition ensure it’s fair for all 40 competitors from around the globe and I’m so excited for Adam to represent Australian on the global stage. Bacardi Legacy has always been about creating a modern classic to stand alongside the classic daiquiri and mojito however now the ‘El Coco’ Grant is completely new and a fantastic way that we’re able to support the competitors to bring their passions to life. ”
Of the opportunity to secure a grant for a business pitch, Dow said: “It goes without saying that it’s been a tough year for hospitality folk so to create an initiative such as this not only pays homage to the history of Bacardi but also is one way of future proofing the people behind the bar which I think is pretty cool.”
The Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition is one of the world’s largest cocktail competitions and receives thousands of entries each year.
Bacardi has maintained since announcing the postponement their intention to reschedule the event and enable all involved to showcase their hard work and talent on a global stage. In delivering this promise with the addition of the El Coco bartender grants, Bacardi hopes to offer real financial support to the competitors who have worked so hard to develop and promote their unique Legacy cocktails, while also helping them to germinate innovations and solutions to boost their careers and the hospitality industry as it looks to recover from the troubled past year.
The El Coco grants - named after the iconic palm tree planted outside the first Bacardi distillery in Cuba that came to symbolise strength and resilience - will be paid directly to each of the 2020 global finalists upon receipt of their project idea in order to ‘seed’ their initiative and allow it to grow.
Competitors are invited to create an original Bacardi rum drink, using no more than six ingredients and compete through the national final rounds. The Global Finals offer a unique opportunity for education and competition, welcoming bartenders to learn from some of the true legends of the bartending world and join the Bacardi ‘Gran Familia.’
The Golden Rule:
- 50ml BACARDÍ Carta Blanca
- 20ml honey syrup (1:1)
- 20ml Lime Juice
- 4 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
Shake and double strain into the rocks glass over a large block of ice. Garnish with 1 spritz of rose water and a red rose petal.
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