Who is the World’s Most Sustainable Bartender 2023?

Flor de Caña’s Sustainable Cocktail Challenge

The Sustainable Cocktail Challenge encourages bartenders the world over to create innovative using Flor de Caña Rum, sustainable ingredients and clever techniques. In partnership with The SRA, this competition is a celebration of Flor de Caña’s historic commitment to sustainability, sharing these values with the global bartending community, sparking fresh conversation around sustainable bar practices and creating change across the industry. Each year, the global winner earns the coveted title of Flor de Caña World’s Most Sustainable Bartender.

Over 30 countries participated in this edition of the Sustainable Cocktail Challenge, which is a celebration of Flor de Caña’s historic commitment to sustainability and its way of sharing and promoting these values with the global bartending community.
The initial submissions were subject to virtual judging by a panel of experts using a points system. The winners from this first round went on to participate in local final competitions in Miami, Austin and Los Angeles last October.

The winners of these local finals qualified to participate in the Global Final of the Sustainable Cocktail Challenge in 2024, where only one could be crowned the World's Most Sustainable Bartender. The finals were held at the start of February in the stunning surrounds of the tropical volcanic islands of Granada in Nicaragua.

About the judges

The judging panel for the 2024 competition consisted of Alex Francis, mixologist and bar director, known for Little Red Door in Paris’ third arrondissement; Mandy Naglich, certified taster, professional spirits journalist and author of ‘How to Taste: A Guide to Discovering Flavor and Savoring Life’; and Danil Nevsky, bartender, hospitality consultant and founder of Indie Bartender.

Their evaluations were based on elements including the history and inspiration behind each cocktail, the use of sustainable ingredients/techniques and the level of creativity, in addition to flavour and appearance. The judges were supported by The SRA’s Managing Director, Juliane Caillouette Noble, who acted in an advisory role and offered insights on what to look for in a sustainable beverage.

So, who is the World’s Most Sustainable Bartender?

Julie Nguyen from Opium Bar in Thailand was crowned World Champion after competing against 32 of the world’s top mixologists to create the most amazing sustainable cocktails.

Julie took the competition’s top spot by impressing the judges with her passion and innovation creating sustainable cocktails. The winning cocktail, ‘From Sip to Seed’, was made using corn (every part: husk, silk, cob and kernels) and local natural elements such as palmyra sugar and coconut milk to showcase the main ingredient, Flor de Caña 12 Year Rum.

In addition to receiving the title of World’s Sustainable Cocktail Champion by Flor de Caña, Julie received the World Champion trophy made from sustainable materials, a personalised bottle of Flor de Caña 25 Year Rum and a US$10,000 prize. Since The SRA is a partner of the event, Julie will also receive complimentary sustainability training and a Food Made Good assessment.

“I’ve been dreaming about this moment and now it’s finally come true. Thank you, Flor de Caña, for taking us on this sustainable journey and for creating amazing memories and experiences for all of us,” said Julie after receiving her trophy.

Andrea Marseglia from Teresa Cocktail Bar in New Zealand took the competition’s second spot and Lacey-Jane Roberts from Published on Main Bar in Canada came in third, both receiving cash prizes and personalised Flor de Caña bottles.

Sustainability at Flor de Caña Rum

Flor de Caña is a sustainably produced premium rum that's Carbon Neutral & Fair Trade certified. From an 1890 family estate, it's distilled with 100% renewable energy and naturally aged at the base of an active volcano without sugar or artificial ingredients. All CO2 emissions are captured and recycled during fermentation.

Giving back and leaving a legacy that future generations will value is embedded in the Flor de Caña DNA. The brand has offered education to workers and their families since 1913 and healthcare since 1958. The environment is also a major priority; since 2005, the company has planted 50,000 trees every year, moving it into the realm of carbon-negative status. Flor de Caña is more than what is in the bottle, it is a benefactor to future generations – and that's exactly what the Sustainable Cocktail Challenges aims to highlight.

The brand was honored with the "Distillery Sustainability Award" and the "Ethical Award" during the 2021 Spirits Business Awards for its leadership in sustainable practices. Learn more at www.flordecana.com.

Read more about The Sustainable Restaurant Association's partnerships here.