Shaking it up in CALIFORNIA

CHEERS OF encouragement rang out loud and clear at the Neilson Hays Library last week, as Bacardi took over the elegant neo-classical building on Surawong Road to host the finals of its Thailand Legacy Cocktail Competition
Mitchell Kai Lum from Vertigo Too was declared the winner and he’ll be off to the US next month to take part in the global final being held in San Francisco between April 20 and 26.
The five finalists worked hard to win the hearts of the judges and applause was loud for the only female contestant, Wareewan Yodkamol from Vesper, who knocked up her special cocktail “The Little Wings”.
Hideyuki Saito from Vogue Lounge wooed the panel with “Quintus”, Sebastian De La Cruz from Uncle presented “The Expat”, and Sarawut Pinpech from Bamboo Bar offered “The Serenity”.
But Hawaiian Lum from outclassed his rivals with a knockout mix dubbed “Haole”.
“I am very happy and proud to win this prize. Over the past eight months of the competition, from the day I decided to join, through the selection process into the final round, I’ve worked hard to improve my skills, especially during the past three months where learned new techniques in workshops with world-class mixologists,” he says.
“I also learned about the marketing side so I could promote my special cocktail at my bar and other bars and create an online presence to invite people to try them. I think it’s a good experience because I’ve received a lot of comments about the flavour and the presentation, which I can use to improve myself and be ready for the final round. It took a lot of dedication, patience, and strength to get here today, but it’s all worth it. My life will change forever. I promise that I will work hard and prepare myself as much as I can in order to represent Thailand on the global stage in San Francisco. I’m determined to bring home the prize. Wish me luck!”
Now in its third edition, the competition has become one of the largest cocktail competitions in the world. Bartenders are challenged to showcase their skills and creativity in whipping up their very own “legacy” cocktails. This year’s programme also celebrates 154th anniversary of Bacardi’s tradition of excellence.
 “Bacardi Legacy is a truly unique event that welcomes bartenders and industry colleagues into the Bacardi family,” says Fabio Di Giammarco, the company’s global vice president.
“We are excited to invite this hugely talented pool of mixologists to San Francisco for the culmination of their year’s work to perfect and promote their unique ‘legacy’ cocktail. While only one will walk away with the title; the friendships formed, the camaraderie and the long-term commitment from Bacardi to help fuel the passion within each and every bartender taking part, is the true legacy of this prestigious event.”
The competition is designed to recognise and nurture the talent of passionate, innovative bar professionals. The winner receives year-long support from Bacardi to further his or her career by creating experiences tailored to meet his/her goals through opportunities to travel, work with the industry’s best and serve these original cocktails at some of the finest bars in the world.