The Bacardi Cruise Competition has its six finalists for the head to head in Miami on September 5 for the 2014 crown.

 

In its ninth competition year, contestants have been asked to focus on their ‘Inspired Cocktail’ using their experience and craft from world of travel, cruise and ferries to create their own unique cocktail recipes.

 

The shortlist has been narrowed down from 25 semi-finalists, with five out of six of the individual cocktail creations chosen by a panel of Bacardi judges, plus a final recipe – the People’s Choice – chosen by consumer cruisers – via the Cruise Critic website – where almost 40,000 votes were said to have been cast for the 25 semi finalists.

 

The Bacardi Judging Panel recreated all 25 semi-finalists’ cocktails to determine their choice of the top five to move on to the finals, with the judging emphasis focused upon innovation, creativity, inspiration and craftsmanship as demonstrated via taste and aroma, creative use of Bacardi ingredients, originality of name, appeal and presentation.

 

Finally, inspiration was also said to be a key aspect of the judging process, as contestants had to share the story behind their cocktail and how their travels had inspired and evoked the creation.  The 6th place in the final was chosen by cruise guests who voted online via www.cruisecritic.com – a leading consumer website for cruise lovers.

 

Zachary Sulkes, Regional Manager Bacardi Travel Retail Americas said: “The Bacardi Cruise Competition is ultimately designed to help recognize and appreciate the importance of the craft of the onboard bartender, elevating the standards of cocktail making and guest experience. 2014 is proving to be an exciting competition with a fantastic quality of entries.

 

“By inviting the bartenders to tell the story behind their inspiration – which we believe is the essential backdrop to the quality and technical skills of their entry – we’ve been able to whittle down to our finalists. We are delighted with the first time involvement of Cruise Critic and the success that it has driven as witnessed by almost 40,000 votes from the guests of our cruise partners for the people’s choice.”

 

 

THE FINALISTS AND THEIR RECIPES:

 

Brian Bent from Carnival Liberty: Poseidon Cocktail, featuring BACARDÍ OAKHEART, lemon juice, simple syrup, angostura bitters, ginger beer and fresh basil leaves;

 

Allan Garcia from Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Cruise Lines: Superior Breeze Cocktail, featuring BACARDÍ Superior, ST GERMAIN, ginger beer and fresh orange juice;

 

Joeped Garrido from Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Cruise Lines: Green Nature Cocktail, featuring GREY GOOSE vodka infused with lemon grass, elderflower liqueur, cranberry juice, green tea infused ice cubes, lemon and cucumber juice;

 

Liisi Kutt from M/S Victoria I, Tallink Silja Line: Summer Fairy Cocktail, featuring BACARDI Melon, MARTINI Prosecco, apple juice, lime juice, simple syrup and geranium flowers;

 

Ioana Luncean from Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Cruise Lines: Breath of Fresh Air Cocktail, featuring BACARDÍ Superior, lemon juice, lemongrass syrup, ST. GERMAIN foam;

 

Vera Restarovic from Carnival Conquest, Carnival Cruise Lines: Black Sunrise – winner of the Cruise Critic, People’s Choice vote, featuring BACARDÍ Razz, passion fruit, pineapple and lime juice, sprite and fresh blackberries.