Marriott International has recently shaken up the F&B scene in Southeast Asia with the inaugural edition of Southeast Asia Regional Liquid Masters Competition, a regional bartender competition to recognize and search for mixology excellence and creative talents to inspire the scene. 15 teams representing hotels under the Marriott International traveled to Bangkok compete head-to-head for the winning title in the final round at A’Bar, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park on April 18, 2018.
As the globally renowned purveyor of elevated, personalized experiences across 30 distinct brands, Marriott International is ever-evolving and constantly on the lookout for the next best things to offer its discerning patrons. Southeast Asia Regional Liquid Masters Competition is aimed to take mixology to the next level with adrenaline-rush challenges that inspire creativity and innovation.
Bangkok, one of Asia’s prime destinations for culinary and mixology, played host to the final event of the competition. Marriott International’s first Southeast Asia Regional Liquid Masters Competition culminated in the exciting two-day final round at Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park from April 17 to18, 2018. 15 teams with two articipants from each team contestants first created their own cocktail recipes, using Bali-based Nusa Cana rum and French-flavored liqueur, Giffard, and brought forward the essence of Southeast Asian flairs to present on stage in front of industry leading judges that included Blake Walker from Marriott International, Kieren James from Brand Connect and mixology experts from Nusa Cana and Giffard. The second round was the thrilling speed challenge where contestants raced against the clock to make two perfect cocktails combining Nusa Cana and Giffard and showcased their bartending skills under pressure and time limit. After this round, only eight contestants were selected to compete in the final round where they had to come up with unique and inspiring signature recipes using local ingredients from Brand Connect’s portfolio and fresh produce from Bangkok’s market.
The defining recipe revealed Southeast Asia’s first winner of Southeast Asia Regional Liquid Masters Competition, the team from Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, who was awarded an exclusive 3-day trip to Hong Kong, hosted by Nusa Cana, Giffard and Brand Connect, to explore the bustling mixology scene. The second and third runner-ups were contestants from The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, and The Westin Jakarta respectively.