The USBG National Legacy Cocktail Competition, Sponsored by BACARDÍ® Rum, Announces The 2017 U.S. East & West Coast Winners

Darnell Holguin & Ryan Wainwright Are Headed to the Global Finals in Berlin

Hamilton, Bermuda, Feb. 14, 2017 — The United States Bartenders’ Guild (“USBG”) is thrilled to announce that, Darnell Holguin and Ryan Wainwright have been crowned the two National Finalists of the sixth annual USBG Legacy Cocktail Showcase sponsored by BACARDÍ® rum.

Held on February 13, 2017 in Miami, Darnell Holguin of New York City and Ryan Wainwright of Los Angeles both duked it out with 10 other contestants from around the country to mix up the next timeless classic rum cocktail. Darnell won with his “It Was All a Dream” cocktail and Ryan Wainwright won with his “Playa Fortuna” cocktail. The two National Finalists will now travel to Berlin in May 2017 to share their innovative creations on the global stage as the United States representatives in the Legacy Global Cocktail Competition.

“Darnell Holguin and Ryan Wainwright’s winning cocktails are the perfect representation of the BACARDÍ spirit and truly embodied what a timeless classic rum cocktail should be,” said Ian McLaren, Director of Trade Advocacy for BACARDÍ. “As one of the most highly regarded competitions in the industry, The Legacy Cocktail Competition not only features the best of the best bartending talent, but serves to help foster career growth amongst the participants and help them make their stamp in cocktail history. We are thrilled to welcome both Darnell Holguin and Ryan Wainwright into the BACARDÍ family and wish them the best of luck in the global finals.”

Sponsored by BACARDĺ, The USBG Legacy Cocktail Competition showcases the best drink innovations in the cocktail industry, providing a platform for bartenders from across the country to share their original creations and become a part of Legacy history. Participants are tasked with creating the next generation of classic rum cocktails that will stand the test of time, using BACARDĺ Superior, BACARDĺ Gold or BACARDĺ 8 rums. Each cocktail is judged on its balance, flavor, quality of ingredients and aesthetic appeal, as well as its enduring popularity and the bartender’s story behind them.

It Was All a Dream by Darnell Holguin
1.5 parts BACARDĺ 8
2 parts Orange Juice
1.5 parts House-made Passion Fruit Condensed Milk
1.3 parts Averna
0.25 parts Allspice Dram
Garnish: Mint Spring

Playa Fortuna by Ryan Wainwright
1.5 parts BACARDĺ Superior
0.75 parts Lime Juice
0.75 parts Coconut Syrup
0.25 parts Falernum
4 drops Hydrated Cream of Tartar
Garnish: Edible Marigold Flower

This year’s USBG National Legacy Cocktail Competition was judged by a well-rounded panel of industry professionals, experts and mentors including: Dickie Cullimore, BACARDÍ’s Global Brand Ambassador, Tom Walker, The 2014 Legacy Global Winner and Pamela Wiznitzer, President of the United States Bartenders’ Guild.

“The USBG Legacy Cocktail Competition has become one of the most important competitions for bartenders year after year,” says Pamela Wiznitzer, President of the United States Bartenders’ Guild. “The level of commitment, passion and ability to put yourself on stage and tell your story to the world demonstrates just how talented and how dedicated members of this industry are. We are really proud of our partnership with BACARDÍ and have no doubt this competition will just continue to get better and better, year after year.”

The 2017 BACARDÍ Legacy Global Cocktail Competition will hold its Grand Finale in Berlin on Tuesday, May 23 where a panel of modern day legends in the hospitality industry will help decide who takes home the coveted Global title.  Both Darnell Holguin & Ryan Wainwright will represent the U.S proudly on their path to take home the ultimate trophy and capture their place in cocktail history.

About BACARDÍ rum – The world’s favorite and most awarded rum
In 1862, Bacardi revolutionized the spirits industry when founder Don Facundo Bacardí Massó began producing his remarkable light-bodied, smooth rum. The unique taste of BACARDÍ inspired cocktail pioneers to invent some of the world’s most famous drink recipes including the Mojito, the Daiquirí, the Cuba Libre, the Piña Colada, and the El Presidente. BACARDÍ rums have won more than 550 awards for quality and taste making BACARDÍ the world’s most awarded rum.  Today, BACARDÍ is produced mainly in Puerto Rico, following the production legacy set forth by Don Facundo Bacardí Massó – crafted in a five-step distillation process, mellowed in American white oak barrels, and filtered five times for unparalleled quality and smoothness. http://www.Bacardi.com

The BACARDÍ brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

LIVE PASSIONATELY. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
©2017. BACARDÍ, ITS TRADE DRESS AND THE BAT DEVICE ARE TRADEMARKS OF BACARDĺ & COMPANY LIMITED. BACARDĺ U.S.A., INC., CORAL GABLES, FL. RUM – 40% ALC. BY VOL.