Carnival Cruise Lines’ Miroslav Kljajic has been crowned winner of the 2016 Bacardí Legacy Cruise Bartender of the Year competition, and moves forward to compete in the global finals of the Bacardí Legacy Global Cocktail Competition in San Francisco, 20-25 April, 2016.

 

Kljajic triumphed over two other finalists in the cruise final showdown in Miami on 25 February, impressing judges with his ‘bespoke and innovative’ Elixir Fizz cocktail creation, says Bacardí. This comprised Bacardí Carta Blanca rum, tawny port wine, homemade vanilla & thyme syrup, Martini prosecco, cherry bitter spray and fresh sprigs of thyme.

 

This year’s Bacardí Legacy Cruise Competition was judged by William Ramos, Senior Brand Master for Bacardí; Adrian Biggs Senior Portfolio Ambassador for Bacardi and John Lermayer, owner of Sweet Liberty cocktail bar in Miami Beach and 2010 Bacardí Legacy US winner.

 

Zachary Sulkes Regional Manager Bacardi Travel Retail Americas comments: “Miro’s winning cocktail perfectly captures the spirit of Bacardí. His confidence and professional presentation really impressed the judges and he is clearly a fantastic example of how bartending standards in the cruise industry are fast becoming ever more professional with talent like Miro whose total commitment to his craft, knowledge and skills are an absolute pleasure to witness in action.

 

MARKETING PROWESS

“We were also very impressed with the marketing campaign he created to promote his cocktail in the months leading up to the final.

 

“Elixir Fizz itself is light, floral and aromatic in nature, perfectly complimenting the Bacardí Carta Blanca rum. The initial scent of cherry gives way to the uniquely fresh aroma of thyme. Once sipped the medium bodied port hits you with rich intense flavours of dark fruits finally finished by a smooth, oaky, vanilla ending.”

 

Kljajic explains the significance of the competition to his ambitions: “My goal is to keep learning and developing my specialism in this exciting profession. One day I plan to open my own bar somewhere in the world, I haven’t decided where yet but having a great position with Carnival that enables me to travel so much is the best way to consider all my options!

 

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to attend the Bacardí Legacy Global Final in April and it’s a tremendous honour to be included as part of this important professional showcase.”

 

A CHANCE TO GIVE BACK

Explaining how he promoted the cocktail, Miro adds: “In the three months leading up to the final my cocktail was featured as the drink of the day on board Carnival Glory twice a week at the Alchemy bar.

 

“I got in touch with my friends who work on-board and others in bars around the world and was able to get it featured in some incredible locations.

 

“I also spent two weeks attending a professional mixology course in Stockholm where I presented Elixir Fizz in Marie Laveau, one of the most famous cocktail bars in the city, with 35 of the world’s best bartenders in attendance.

 

“I also wanted to give a something back to the community and through my cocktail Carnival Cruise Lines has been able to raise $1,000 for a local children’s hospital in Miami.”

 

The Bacardí Legacy Cocktail Competition, which was founded in 2008, apparently receives thousands of entries, challenging participants to create the next generation of classic rum cocktails using Bacardí Carta Blanca or Bacardí Oro rum; drinks that will become as revered as the Bacardí Daiquirí and the Bacardí Mojito.

 

“Classic cocktails are defined by their balance, flavour, quality of ingredients and aesthetic appeal, as well as their enduring popularity and the story behind them,” says Bacardí.

 

The other finalists were Bailon Pasamba, Holland America Line and Andres Poljakov, of Tallink Group. Kljajic received $4000 cash prize and an all expenses paid trip to the Bacardí Legacy Global Cocktail Competition, San Francisco (20-25 April, 2016) where he will compete against 35 other professional bartenders from across the globe for the ultimate title.