CubaPLUS Magazine

The Cuban resort of Varadero, the second best in the world according to Tripadvisor, will host the 69th World Cocktail Championship (WCC) of the International Bartenders Association (IBA), to be held from November 4 to 9.

At a press conference offered this Tuesday at the Tryp Habana Libre hotel, José Rafa Malén, president of the Cuban Bartenders Association (ACC), made the announcement and expressed his satisfaction at having been chosen the largest of the Antilles for the holding of that important appointment, which will bring together what is most valuable and shines within the world of cocktails.

This competition, to be held at the Melía Internacional hotel in Varadero, foresees the participation of 63 bartenders to compete in classic style and 32 in free style, representing 63 member countries of the association, which are also expected to attend the respective national presidents of the (IBA). This time, the classic will consist of three levels. In the preliminary round, the participants will compete in five categories of cocktails – appetizer, digestif, long, sparkling and, for the first time, non-alcoholic – which will be randomly assigned to each member country.

The first three places in each category will go on to the second level (semifinal round) in which the contestants must face three challenges: sensory or tasting, knowledge and speed, by making three cocktails from the IBA folder.

The four competitors who achieve the highest score, by the sum obtained according to their respective qualifications, will be the finalists, who in the super final round during the closing gala must present a new cocktail to reach the coveted champion's cup.

The event also includes an extensive program that includes dinners, the re-launch of the book Un brindis por mi Habana, authored by Rafa Malén, a meeting with Masters of Cuban rum, a pairing, a visit to the Ron factory in San José de Las Lajas, province of Mayabeque, and the preparation of the Adán y Eva cocktail, in the largest cup in the world, by Sergio Serrano, creator of that mixture and 2003 World Champion.

The mandatory base drinks for the preparation of cocktails throughout the event will be from the Havana Club and sparkling Prosecco brands, the main sponsors of the World Cup. Also attending the press conference were Eddy Naranjo, vice president of the ACC and other members of the association, as well as executives from Havana Club International S.A.