El Cubanito takes Mojito win at Mad Tropikal
During last weekend’s Mad Tropikal event in Madrid, local bar El Cubanito and Cuban rum brand Ron Legendario won the Best Mojito Competition.
Organised by The Rum Lab founder Federico Hernández and Eduardo Jiménez, founder of Holy Drop cocktail and whisky bar and the Madrid Whisky Club, the one-day event took place on 20 June at the Caleido centre.
At the Best Mojito Competition, influential bars in Madrid were paired with top rum brands with the aim of redefining Spain’s standard for the classic cocktail.
The finalists were: El Cubanito in partnership with Ron Legendario, Calle 365 with Ron Arehucas, El Antillano with Ron Abuelo, Holy Drops with Planteray Rum, and Vida Caribe with Tawala Rum.
After extensive tasting rounds, El Cubanito and Ron Legendario received 44 decisive votes, earning the title of the best Mojito in the capital.
According to the organisers, more than 60 Puerto Ricans travelled specifically to support the one-day event.
Mad Tropikal’s aim was to shift consumer habits in a market traditionally dominated by simple, two-ingredient long drinks like the Cuba Libre (rum and cola).
By highlighting the global appeal and refreshing nature of a well-crafted Mojito, the festival demonstrated how premium rum brands can diversify their reach and drive new growth in Europe.
Enhancing the event’s educational value for the spirits trade was the introduction of the Alquimia Hub, hosted at The Dalmore Boutique in Madrid. The hub united consumers, brand ambassadors, and spirit experts for advanced seminars and talks.
Mad Tropikal offered insights into premiumisation, wood finishes, and modern mixology, while connecting rum culture with high-end Scotch whisky.
“Mad Tropikal proved that the Spanish market is ready to look past the standard rum-and-Coke format,” noted the event organisers. “Bringing hundreds of passionate consumers together with industry icons at the Alquimia Hub shows that the appetite for premium rum education and elevated tropical mixology is at an all-time high.
“El Cubanito’s incredible win with Ron Legendario showcases the exact creativity driving our industry forward today.”
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