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Havana Club launches 2018 Cocktail Grand Prix

Havana Club has launched its 12th Cocktail Grand Prix, which embraces modern Cuba as it hunts for the world’s most talented rum bartender.

This years Cocktail Grand Prix challenges bartenders to design a drink encapsulating contemporary Cuba

This year, the biennial Cocktail Grand Prix is inspired by Cuba’s food, technology and cultural revolution.

The 2018 competition, entitled Cuba Moderna, challenges entrants to create a cocktail that encapsulates contemporary Cuba, while using authentic ingredients and techniques.

Nick Blacknell, international marketing director of Pernod Ricard-owned Havana Club, said: “The cultural revolution in Cuba is the most exciting place to be in the world right now – it’s a melting pot of tradition and authenticity with a modern outlook like we have never seen before.

“With the Havana Club Cocktail Grand Prix, we want to show modern Havana to the world through new, authentic ways to enjoy Cuban rum and inspire others to explore Cuba themselves.”

The first round will see local events in more than 40 countries, each challenging bartenders to create a new rum cocktail that mixes influences from modern Cuba with their own culture.

The winners from each country will then compete at the global final in Havana from 28 May-2 June, where they will be joined by a wild card entrant selected through a competition on the Havana Club Grand Prix Facebook page.

In Cuba, finalists will experience Cuban culture firsthand, through visits to Havana’s best bars and restaurants, as well as performances from rising stars in the Cuban music world.

While visiting the Carribean nation, the finalists will also attend bartending seminars exploring modern bartending trends and will have the chance to tour the Havana Club distillery.

The final in Cuba will be judged by a panel of leading rum authorities, including drinks expert and writer Anistatia Miller.

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