Spirit of Saint Lucia cocktail contest heads to Miami

The inaugural Spirit of Saint Lucia bartending competition will take place during the Miami Rum Congress on 10 February.

Held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, the competition is open to bartenders in the US. They will be tasked with crafting cocktails that capture the essence of Saint Lucia, vying for a top prize of US$1500 and a trip to the Caribbean island. 

The event is sponsored by Bounty Rum, which is produced in Saint Lucia, and cocktail syrup producer Reàl Ingredients. The collaboration is being called a ‘harmonious fusion of Caribbean heritage and modern mixology’.

Participants are expected to exhibit their creativity, by devising a unique cocktail that draws on Saint Lucia’s ‘diverse culture’ and ‘natural beauty’. Cocktails must be made using Bounty Rum as the base spirit, alongside one of Reàl Ingredients’ products. 

The entry submission period began on 5 January and will close on 26 January. The top eight finalists, announced via social media on 29 January, will compete live at the Miami Rum Congress.

A cash prize will also be awarded to second place (US$500) and third place (US$250).

Ben Jones, North American sales director for the Miami Rum Congress, said: “We are thrilled to be a part of the Spirit of Saint Lucia Cocktail Competition.

“This event not only celebrates the artistry of bartending but also pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Saint Lucia. We can’t wait to see how bartenders infuse their creations with the spirit of the island, using Bounty Rum as their muse.”

Miami Rum Congress is an annual spirits exposition featuring various global rum producers. The 2024 iteration will be held on 9 to 11 February. The event offers guided tastings, education, and more. Tickets can be purchased on their website.

The event has partnered with Park Street Companies to host a series of seminars for its 2024 edition.