Havana Club International Cocktail Grand Prix
Cuba is a country renowned for its cocktails. Thus, it will come as no surprise to you that Havana is the home to the bi-annual ‘Club International Cocktail Grand Prix’ competition.
About the Cocktail Grand Prix
This event, which takes place on the even years ie. 2022 and 2024 every two years and now attracts many of the world’s best cocktail makers.
The competition itself is one of the world’s most prestigious and sponsored by the International Bartenders Association (IBA).
Previous winners have included the world-famous cocktail maker Julien Escot from France and Gianalberto Alessandrini from Italy.
Normally around fifty cocktail makers from over thirty or so countries enter the competition, one such recent winner Andy Loudon from London, for his suitably named ‘Jose Marti Especial’.
The Rules
If entering, you are allowed to use your own equipment such as your own cocktail making equipment and glasses.
You then have to produce three new and original cocktails over a ten-minute period and the rules state that each of the three must have a certain ingredient.
- Cocktail Number 1 – Must contain Havana Club Rum as a base.
- Cocktail Number 2 – Havana Club Añejo 7 Años
- Cocktail Number 3 – Must take an existing rum cocktail from Cuba and re-invent it.
The rules go one step further and are quite an interesting addition.
The cocktail-maker must engage the audience in a conversation, as one would in a real bar and serving customers.
The scoring works on a points system for a number of set criteria, including the taste, look, the creativity of the drink, and the approach and style of the barman.
It is really a great all-around test for the cocktail makers and a great social event for drinkers and makers alike, in what is more like a cocktail family atmosphere, albeit a somewhat competitive one for some.
Further Facts and Information
- When – Normally in June every two years.
- Need to know – If this is your first time in Havana for the event, make sure to give ‘Museo del Ron Havana Club‘ a visit on 262 San Pedro Calle!
- This event is sponsored by Havana Club.
Qualifying and Entering the Competition
Qualifying – Each country has its own qualification event so, if you are a bartender from the U.S., UK, Cyprus, Italy, France, or from a number of other countries, you can enter and try to win a seat in the world finals in Cuba itself.
