Now in its 4th year, Disaronno and Tia Maria take centre stage as the principal sponsors of the most prestigious bar events across the globe: North America’s 50, Asia’s 50 and World’s 50 Best Bars. Bartenders worldwide are invited to showcase their skills by crafting signature cocktails featuring Disaronno and Tia Maria, sharing them on social media and tagging @themixingstar on Instagram. Each entry is evaluated by a renowned mixologist, or Talent Hunter, with two winners earning the opportunity to participate in the 50 Best Bars events.
Recently, North America’s and Asia’s 50 Best Bars concluded with great fanfare, selecting two standout bartenders from hundreds of entries all over the world to present their cocktails at the Awards Ceremony, when the best bars were announced. Winners also enjoyed exclusive access to celebrations, including the Bartenders Feast and Closing Party, and a chance to meet the most influential mixologists and Talent Hunters personally.
Simona Bianco, Global Head of Advocacy for the ILLVA Portfolio Brands, stated, “Disaronno and Tia Maria are proud to be the Official Italian Liqueur Partner and Official Coffee Liqueur Partner of 50 Best Bars. We started this project to strengthen our relationship with bartenders, offering talented individuals a chance to experience the 50 Best Bars celebrations.”
The recent Asia’s 50 Best Bars edition, led by COA’s bar owner Jay Khan, saw an impressive array of entries, including standout cocktails from Australian bartenders. Bri Reilly and Alessandro Pezzolla from Wat Den, Tamim Siddique from Alba Bar & Deli, Alberto Giardino from Dean and Nancy and Sanzeev Aryal from Grain Bar Sydney presented unique creations that captured the judges’ attention.
Bri Reilly’s “The Ninth” draws inspiration from memories with her grandmother and their trips to coffee shops, blending the essence of coffee paired with the delightful flavours of a carrot cake. The Ninth features clarified vanilla, carrot, and honey juice, Disaronno, mezcal and topped with Tia Maria and coconut cream foam.
Alessandro Pezzolla’s “Godfather’s Harvest” reinterprets the classic Godfather cocktail with fig, chestnut shrub, and Naked Malt Scotch, reflecting his childhood spent gathering chestnuts and figs during harvest season.
Tamim Siddique’s “The Secret Ingredient” introduces umami notes from Hong Kong’s First Draw Soy Sauce into an espresso martini-inspired cocktail with Tia Maria, cacao vodka, Coffee and Soy Cordial and Orange Bitters.
Alberto Giardino’s “Go Bananas!” showcases a tropical mix of Disaronno, mezcal, banana liqueur, and coconut cream – a vibrant and tropical cocktail
Sanzeev Aryal’s “Regalo Di Saronno” blends Italian and Hong Kong flavours with Disaronno, ginger syrup, lemon juice, and coconut water garnished with Tia Maria coffee jelly – a harmonious blend of flavours and cultures.
Dreaming of being a guest mixologist at the next 50 Best Bars event with Disaronno and Tia Maria? Follow @themixingstar as we prepare for the final round of the 2024 Shake Your Talent Season ahead of the World’s 50 Best Bars in October in Madrid. Get ready to shake things up!
If you’re interested in joining the final round of 2024 Shake Your Talent, follow @themixingstar page and contact Nat Salerno ILLVA Saronno S.pA. Brand Ambassador, nsalerno@spiritsplatform.com.au , 0475 050 458 or follow @nathanel_salerno on Instagram.