The postponed 2020 BACARDÍ Legacy Global Final will go ahead virtually this year with a date set for the global winner to be announced 30th June 2021. The re-worked format of the competition will also offer all 40 global competitors the opportunity to secure a US$5,000 grant, in addition to competing for the global title.
The grant will fund each competitor’s time to devise and develop a project or enterprise that supports the industry’s recovery, following the huge impact that the pandemic has had across the bartending world.
The El Coco grant is named after the ‘El Coco’ palm free planted in front of the first BACARDI distillery in Santiago de Cube, which has come to symbolize strength and resilience. The grant will be paid directly to each of the 2020 global finalists upon receipt of their project idea. The competitions will then be invited to bring their original ‘Legacy’ cocktails to the world and compete for the global title in a live-stream virtual competition, with judges based in London, with the winner announced 30th June 2021.
Representing Australia for 2020 is Adam Dow from Sydney’s Dead Ringer who won the National Title in February 2020 for creating the The Golden Rule cocktail. Dow’s drink was judged not only against 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, full recipe below.
“Dow’s drink was judged not only against 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.”
National Advocacy Manager for BACARDÍ 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. I can’t wait to see the amazing ideas from competitors around the globe and to support Adam throughout this process.”
The BACARDÍ Legacy Cocktail Competition is one of the world’s largest cocktail competitions and receives thousands of entries each year. As finalists prepared to bring their original BACARDÍ Legacy cocktails to the world in Miami last May, the week-long event could not go ahead due the COVID-19 pandemic which has seen the hospitality industry largely shuttered in many areas across the globe. 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.
A coconut palm was planted in front of the first Bacardi distillery in Santiago de Cuba. Affectionately known as El Coco, the palm became a symbol to the Bacardí family and company. Withstanding a distillery fire, five earthquakes and countless hurricanes, El Coco symbolizes strength and resilience and a single palm is planted outside each Bacardi distillery today.
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THE GOLD RULE COCKTAIL – ADAM DOW 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.