Now in its second decade of inspiring and supporting bartenders from across the globe, the BACARDÍ Legacy Cocktail Competition has named its 12th UK winner. Scottish bartender Nicole Sykes took the prize in London last night with her ‘Ladder’ cocktail and will now travel to Miami to compete against 40 bartenders at the Global Final in May.
Made from BACARDÍ Carta Blanca rum, crème de pêche, honey water, grapefruit juice, orange blossom water and soda water, Nicole’s Legacy cocktail won over the judges with its unique flavour palette and creative back story. ‘Ladder’ was inspired by the structure of a ladder taking you to greater heights. Already an accomplished bartender at Satan’s Whisker in London, Nicole has previously worked behind the bar in Lyaness (London), Voodoo Rooms and The Voyage of Buck (Edinburgh).
Nicole will be following in the footsteps of last year’s UK winner Chelsie Bailey, the Bristol bartender who made it into the final eight at the 2019 Global Final and is now running the show at trendy Hoxton tiki bar Happiness Forgets.
Speaking about her success at the UK final, Nicole said: “Taking part in BACARDÍ Legacy has long been an ambition of mine and so to be chosen to represent the UK at this year’s global final feels surreal. The standard was set so high by my fellow finalists who are all so accomplished in their own right. I feel grateful that we’ve had the chance to get to know one another as individuals and learn from each other. I’m so excited to see what the next phase of the competition brings and to take ‘Ladder’ to a global stage.”
Metinee Kongsrivilai, UK Brand Ambassador for BACARDÍ, said: “As always, the standard at this stage of the competition is incredible high, but Nicole surpassed all expectations with her inventive and original cocktail recipe. We’re thrilled to be taking Nicole to Miami where we are sure she will do the UK proud. We also want to congratulate the other finalists for making it to the UK final and warmly welcome them to our Gran Familia de BACARDÍ.”
The global final of BACARDÍ Legacy will take place in Miami on 6th May. 41 finalists will embark on a week of education and collaboration before they showcase their creativity and expertise at the Grand Final. The winner must produce a unique cocktail that can stand the test of time and sit alongside classic BACARDÍ cocktails such as the Original BACARDÍ Mojito, the Original BACARDÍ Daiquiri and the BACARDÍ Old Cuban.
Ladder
50ml BACARDÍ Carta Blanca rum
5ml crème de pêche
5ml honey water (3:1)
30ml grapefruit juice
3dsh orange blossom water
60ml soda water
Shake all ingredients with cubed ice and strain into a highball glass. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
#Ladder
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