PARCHED | BACARDI LEGACY 2017 SINGAPORE TOP 6

To be honest, barhopping is not hardship, especially when there’s a friendly bartender with a great rum cocktail to meet you. How did this start? Sixty entries were whittled to 15 in this year’s Bacardi Legacy 2017 Global Cocktail Competition. Now – after a round of cocktails and challenges – we have the top 6 finalists, and one of them is going to represent Singapore in the global finals in Berlin in May.

They are: Davide from The Other Room, Uno from Orgo, Brendon from Crackerjack, Jonathan from Tippling Club, Syafiq from 28 Hong Kong Street, and Cedric from Manhattan Bar.

The rules were pretty simple: Create a Bacardi cocktail that will stand the test of time (e.g. daiquiri), using at most six ingredients, which should be easily available anywhere in the world. (Strelka Bar in Moscow is not gonna easily get hold of gula melaka, let’s just say).

And with that, these six bartenders’ cocktails were judged to be the best of the semi round, so visit their bars and buy their cocktails. Ask them for the Bacardi Legacy Passport and when you have all six stamped, hand it back to the bar for a lucky draw. You (plus one) might win a trip to Berlin for the finals.

The theme this year is Casa Bacardi: House of Music & Mixology. Each bartender has been paired with a local musician/band for a promo clip, and some of these artists will be performing at the finals on 28 March at Clarke Quay. Let’s meet the fellas and their cocktails.

Davide (The Other Room) with Lion City Boy

Davide Boncimino: “Marshall is a drink inspired by a passionate rum lover and traveler named Chris Marshall, who is a regular customer at the bar. He has impeccable taste for good drinks, and this is bold cocktail that is simple yet exquisite. The cocktail contains rum and sherry, with hints of chocolate, nuts, wood and tropical fruits, bringing out the perfect blend between sweet and tangy.” #OneMarshallPlease

Bacardi Legacy Davide Boncimino The Other Room

Uno (Orgo Bar) with DJ Myrne

Uno: His Yellow Ribbon cocktail was inspired by the movement which shows that everyone can overcome hard times and create their own miracles. As represented in his drink the Yellow Ribbon, the main flavours of basil and citrus leave a lingering fragrance in your mouth, followed by the tinge of honey and elderower that symbolises the sweet
satisfaction of success that comes after. #YellowRibbon

He’s also the only bartender in this finals round to use Bacardi Carta Blanca. All the rest use Bacardi 8.

Bacardi Legacy Uno Orgo

Brendon Khoo (Crackerjack) with Wicked Aura

Brendon: The name of the cocktail, Rising Wind, is not only a nod to his favourite filmmaker – Hayao Miyazaki – but wind also symbolises renewal, growth, and improvement. The refreshing cocktail is a harmonious blend of Bacardi 8, balsamic vinegar, syrup, lemon juice, pineapple juice, and basil, making for an intriguing cocktail with a complex depth of flavour. The balsamic is an unusual touch in this crushed drink. #RisingWindCocktail

Bacardi Legacy Brendon Crackerjack

Jonathan Lee (Tippling Club) with Kenzo

Jon: The Vida Rica symbolises the richness of Cubans and their values, such as cherishing happiness, family, dance and music. This cocktail is a rich blend of Bacardi 8 and caramel, with a touch of citrus that brings it to life. The addition of burnt caramel was interesting and a beautiful touch, as it evokes childhood and the serenity of comfort food. #VidaRicabyJon

Bacardi Legacy Jonathan Lee Tippling Club

Syafiq (28 Hong Kong Street) with Gayle Nerva

Syafiq: His signature Avante simply means moving forward in life, which serves as a constant reminder to himself and the people who infuence him. The interesting use of Bacardi 8, homemade ginger, honey syrup, lime and Martini Prosecco, which gives rise to an elegant drink that is sweet and refreshing. #AvanteCocktail

Bacardi Legacy Syafiq 28 Hong Kong Street

Cedric (Manhattan) with Daniel Chia

Cedric: When he was younger, a shot of rum with iced tea, and beers with some nuts on the side was a distinctive way of drinking with pals. His Regalo cocktail is a shoutout to that happy memory. Regalo is also Spanish for gifts, and to Cedric, it means happiness and fortune, as he has always received Bacardi bottles as gifts on special occasions. Warning: This cocktail contains peanuts. No it doesn’t, but it does have beer. #HaveARegalo

Bacardi Legacy Cedric Manhattan