TEN of Kuala Lumpur’s best bartenders brought their A-game to Viva Marini Bartending Competition (VMBC) 2024.
Held at MariGin Bar at One KL, the annual cocktail crafting challenge saw a display of bartending skills in a live event organised by dining and entertainment conglomerate The Marini’s Group.
The cocktail themes this time around were “Italian Twist” for the first drink and “Glitterati” for the second.
Contestants vied to reflect the themes in their creations and impress the panel of judges.
Each bartender was given five minutes for bar preparation and 10 minutes to build their two drinks while elaborating on them.
The afternoon of cocktail slinging ended with the youngest contestant claiming a narrow victory over the rest, to be declared the 2024 champion.
Rosyam Hakimi, 21, of Here & Now took home the trophy and RM10,000 cash prize.
His winning creations were Breakfast in Italy, a Negroni twist inspired by a Caprese salad, and Mama Gua inspired by childhood memories.
The first had depths of flavour and subtleties with its use of Roku Gin infused with basil, cheese, sweet vermouth, tomato water and Campari.
Mama Gua was a blend of clarified guava juice, Havana Club Rum, Roku Gin, sugar and a few drops of saline.
Jason Dennis D’Cruz of Te Amo had to settle for a bridesmaid finish for the second year running, walking away with a trophy and RM5,000 cash.
His first drink, Sapori d’Italia, celebrated the essence of Italy and blended Martell Noblige with parsley-infused sweet vermouth, Sambuca and rosemary syrup.
For the “Glitterati” theme, D’Cruz built Mint Bonbon, a cocktail inspired by perfectly-cut emeralds and the world’s finest chocolates.
The drink combined Havana Rum, Roku Gin, Creme de menthe, Creme de cacao and almond syrup, clarified with full cream milk for a velvety texture.
Third place went to a returning contender – Tan Xun of Reka Bar, who crafted Cham Ponce, a twist of the classic Italian cocktail Livorno Punch, and Eternal Temptation which used chocolate and rose to symbolise two temptations.
Cham Ponce incorporates both tea and coffee – otherwise known as “cham” – with dark rum, Irish whiskey, Oloroso sherry, Angioletto hazelnut liqueur, salted caramel and lemon zest.
His aromatic Eternal Temptation was a concoction with rose gin, white rum, Tio Pepe sherry, Cacao Blanc, chocolate bitters, rose water and prosecco.
All three winners will have their winning creations listed in the cocktail menu of Marini’s on 57 bar and lounge.
“It is always a pleasure to see the creative concoctions the finalists come up with for the competition,” said The Marini’s Group founder and owner Modesto Marini.
“There were high standards once again, with several interesting concepts and techniques, which underpin why we created this event.
“Mixology is a science while bartending has a physical aspect to it; there is so much hard work and dedication involved.
“We at The Marini’s Group recognise and respect that these bartending talents have taken the time to learn to be the best that they can be at their craft.”
He said it was an honour to be able to provide such a platform where industry professionals and upcoming talents get to exhibit their skills, and be seen and supported by their peers and people in the industry.
The competition was introduced in 2022 as part of the 10th anniversary celebration for The Marini’s Group and Marini’s on 57, and is open to professional and home bartenders as well as mixologists.
It has become an exciting annual event and allows those behind the bar to showcase their talents and passion.
