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Peruvian bartender sails into World Class final
Bartender Santos Mercedes Enriquez of Celebrity Cruises rose to victory in the Diageo Reserve World Class Global Travel heat, winning a coveted spot in the 2015 global final.
Peruvian bartender Mercedes Enriques has won a spot in the Diageo Reserve World Class cocktail competition final
Enriquez, who comes from Peru, beat two other finalists by impressing judges with his signature serve Violetta Falernum, made using Tanqueray No. Ten Gin.
He will now compete in the global grand final in Cape Town scheduled to take place from 28 August to 4 September.
In total, more than 5,500 entrants from three of the world’s leading cruise lines – Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises – took part in the biggest Diageo Global Travel heat to date.
“I’m beyond excited and humbled to have won the Diageo Global Travel Final and the incredible opportunity to represent Celebrity Cruises and all cruise line bartenders at the grand final of the world’s largest cocktail competition,” said Enriquez. “This has been a life-changing experience so far, and I’m really looking forward to Cape Town.”
The judging panel comprised Enrique de Colsa, master distiller for Tequila Don Julio; Spike Marchant, World Class Global Brand Ambassador; Erik Lorincz, world class bartender of the Year 2010; and Julio Cabrera, managing partner of The Regent Cocktail Club, Miami.
“We are very proud of Santos’ win at last night’s highly anticipated competition,” said Cornelius Gallagher, associate vice president of food and beverage operations, Celebrity Cruises. “This has been a display of the best of the best in bartending, and it is an honour to be included.
“As a star member of our team onboard Celebrity Equinox, Santos delights our guests and really represents the rich and popular modern luxury experiences our vacationers can enjoy when they sail with us.
“We wish him the best of luck in Cape Town and are confident that his dedication and skill will be eye-opening.”
Diageo Reserve World Class 2014 was won by US bartender Charles Joly, who has since gone on to mix drinks at F1 driver Jenson Button’s wedding and the Grammy Awards.