Global Rum brand Bacardi in collaboration with streetwear brand Stadium Goods, wants you to dance like everyone is watching.

Under its “Do What Moves You” platform, the brand is launching a series of unique activations to encourage people to embrace community and enjoy the freedom of self-expression.

June will see both brands launch speakeasy pop-up, a one-of-a-kind retail and party experience. At first glance, these may appear to be traditional merch offerings, but in a nod to classic speakeasy cocktail bars, the surprise will lie in a secret entrance behind the stockroom door where attendees will be immersed in a lively, Caribbean-inspired Bacardí celebration.

The New York pop-up, open to consumers aged 21+ on June 8th by RSVP only, will feature pop-up musical guests, exclusive Bacardí rum cocktail tastings, and more.

“The spirit of Bacardí has always been one of self-expression, free of judgment, and, of course, one that is ready to dance,” said Laila Mignoni, Global Head of Brand Marketing Communications for Bacardí.

“Every aspect of our partnership is designed to bring people together, embracing the connective tissue between our iconic rum and the sneaker community to inspire movement in both the physical and emotional sense.”

To ensure everyone who attends a BACARDÍ party this summer is equipped with the perfect pair of ‘dancing shoes’, BACARDÍ will gift attendees the Dancing Shoes NFT, an exclusive digital wearable created in collaboration with creative visionary and founder of the streetwear brand STAPLE, Jeff Staple, and web3 studio, Kollectiff.

Dropped into guests’ digital wallets during the event, the NFT will appear with a purposefully simplistic design, allowing for individual customizations by interacting with various elements within the temporary retail store. Those who complete the NFT customizations at the event will have a chance to forge their digital creations into a one-of-a-kind physical pair of sneakers—their one-of-a-kind Dancing Shoes—that will be delivered directly to them this summer.

Following the New York launch, the activations will continue, starting with Governor’s Ball in NYC on June 9th and continuing through Lollapalooza (Chicago), Life is Beautiful (Las Vegas), Parookaville (Germany), Lowlands Festival (Netherlands), and more.

The campaign will culminate in October with a final pop-up ahead of Amsterdam’s biggest dance music festival, featuring exclusive merchandise and a limited-edition giveaway of collectable physical Dancing Shoes in collaboration with a world-renowned Amsterdam streetwear brand.

Countries all over the world, including Spain, New Zealand, Germany and Austria, will put on their Dancing Shoes this summer with festival activations, local retail partnerships and pop-up experiences.

For more information, follow @bacardi on all social channels or CASA BACARDÍ 2023 Festival MAP.

Venezuela Rum brand Santa Teresa 1796 has been named as the “Rum of the Year” at the Berlin International Spirits Competition, one of the most respected spirits competitions in Europe. Outperforming a field of 80, Santa Teresa was awarded a gold medal after receiving a score of 95 points.

“We feel great pride and honour that our exceptional rum has one more success under its belt,” said Andrés Chumaceiro, Director of Operations at Santa Teresa. “Santa Teresa 1796 flagship, not just for its awards, but because, wherever there is a bottle of this rum, anyone can feel represented in it because it symbolises second chances.”

The victory complements two other recent accolades received by the rum: the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition, where Santa Teresa 1796 triumphed in the Best of Division Rum category, and the Denver International Spirit Competition, where the rum was also awarded a gold medal.

This brings the Solera rum’s gold medal count to 58, with over 100 medals in total.

“These 58 gold medals are a testament to the rum artisans,” continued Chumaceiro. “Our Maestors Roneros, who, with their knowledge and unmatched palate, managed to create Santa Teresa 1796; from each of our master coopers to each of the masters of rugby, who teach us by their example of the power to transform.”

Santa Teresa is the first rum producer in Venezuela, with over 227 years of tradition and expertise. It can be found in over 70 countries, proudly displaying the Denominación de Origen Controlado Ron de Venezuela.

For more information, go to santateresarum.com

Independent whisky bottler Boutique-y has announced the cocktail competition you have all been waiting for.

Pitting industry professionals against amateurs, bartenders against the off-trade, and influencers against at-home mixologists—the brand has launched the ultimate cocktail competition, Boutique-y Vs The World.

A first for the brand, the competition is open to ALL (18+, of course! who reside in the UK). The winner will receive a true ‘money can’t buy’ prize—a bottle of their very own whisky.

Working alongside Boutique-y’s Head of Whiskey Sam Simmons, the winner will participate in everything from choosing the cask to helping to design the label.

They will then receive bottle number one of their own TBWC limited edition whisky, which will be available for sale on Master of Malt. And we don’t need to tell you about the bragging rights!

So what do you need to do? Create the ultimate Boutique-y cocktail.

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Each entrant will use the celebrated Canadian Corn Core Whiskey as one of five ingredients. These five ingredients need to be inspired by the word MOOSE (five letters). The Moose, of course, can be found on the distinctive red label of That Boutique-y Whisky Company’s Canadian Corn Whiskey.

Points will be judiciously awarded for the serving itself, its drinkability, the creativity of the ingredients used, the garnish, the name and the story behind it.

No additional points will be awarded for Canadian fancy dress, but you’ll be forever a legend in the eyes of the team at That Boutique-y Whisky Company.

Divided into UK regions, the shortlisted entrants will be invited to make their cocktails in live heats (commencing on the 17th of June) across FOUR NIGHTS OF FUN. Expect celebrations, drinking some tasty whisky, and, importantly, making new friends.

Winners of these heats will be invited to ‘the Canada of the British Isles’, Manchester! (Yes, they know, but nobody calls it that.)

The Final will be held in Manchester on the 4th of July, purely to stick forks up to Canada’s neighbours across the Southern border because that’s how they do things at Boutique-y HQ.

“So, how do I enter?” Well, it’s a cunningly simple entry process! Simply visit www.thatboutiqueywhiskycompany.com for all the information and to enter your winning cocktail by 20th May 2024.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and his premium, small-batch tequila, Teremana, are returning their annual “Guac on The Rock” initiative, but this year, running the campaign for the entire month of May.

In it’s fourth year, the campaign allows fans to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with friends and family while continuing to support their local restaurants and enjoying the classic combination of tequila and guacamole.

This year, the brand will reimburse restaurant goers for their guac when they purchase any Teremana® Tequila cocktail with an order of guacamole from May 1st through May 31st.

“For Cinco de Mayo and my birthday this year, I’m happy that the Guac will be on the Rock for a full month,” says Teremana® Tequila Founder, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

“It’s a testament to Teremana’s incredible success that we can give back to our tremendous bars and restaurants and our loyal fans for a fourth year in a row, in an even bigger way than before. I can’t wait to see more people come together to support our nation’s hospitality workers and say thank you by raising a Teremana® Toast and participating in Guac on the Rock!”

The annual “Guac On The Rock” tradition is part of Teremana Tequila’s efforts to Share the Mana. Mana is at the heart of the brand, propelling it to bring good energy, bring people together, and do the right thing.

Consumers 21 and over who purchase a Teremana cocktail with an order of guacamole will be reimbursed up to $10.

To learn more about the initiative, and to find restaurants and bars that carry Teremana, head to guacontherock.com.

Global liqueur brand Grand Marnier is collaborating with Grammy-winning rapper 2 Chainz to launch its new digital content series, The Rouge Room.

Celebrating the power of unexpected collaborations, the Rouge Room has been designed to provide a consistent visual space where the brand can bring contemporary Grand Encounters to life year after year.

Born out of our proprietary blend of cognac and orange liqueur, Grand Marnier is itself a representation of two disparate entities coming together to form something incredible.

This premise will allow The Rouge Room to create a starting point for different collaborators to explore cultural relevance through storytelling and content.

In the inaugural iteration, Grand Marnier has joined forces with 2 Chainz to blend two distinct worlds, united by a mutual dedication to creativity and passion.

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Renowned as one of the most prolific collaborators in the music industry, 2 Chainz embodies the very essence of a Grand Encounter. His exceptional talent seamlessly enhances the work of his partners, resulting in a harmonious fusion of creativity and artistry.

“I’ve always been a Margarita fan,” explained 2 Chainz, “but I found the secret ingredient that makes the classic even better: Grand Marnier.

“I tried a Grand Marnier Quintessence margarita a few years back on my show ‘Most Expensivest’ and let me tell you that blend of cognac and orange is pure magic. It’s a whole vibe upgrade for your margarita and drink style,” he continued.

Mirroring the interior of a Grand Marnier bottle, The Rouge Room is colour-drenched in the rich hues of Grand Marnier red. 2 Chainz takes centre stage to showcase how the blend of Grand Marnier’s key ingredients can elevate the classic Margarita to new heights for Cinco de Mayo and beyond.

“Teaming up with 2 Chainz for the launch of The Rouge Room content series allows us to forge deeper connections with consumers seeking new ways to savour and sip Grand Marnier,” said Andrea Sengara, Vice President of Marketing for Campari America.

“This series not only highlights the blend of fine cognac and orange liqueur but also invites consumers to reimagine their cocktail experience, from elevating the classic margarita to sparking inspiration and discovering their own unique ways of enjoying Grand Marnier.”

Director Ray Neutron captured the creative, with complementary visuals from Breyona Holt. 2 Chainz’s bold look—a custom rouge suit—was curated by stylist Erik Ziemba. Together, this blending of creatives from diverse backgrounds built a Grand Encounter in itself to produce content that truly speaks to how Grand Marnier enhances the cocktail experience.

The unexpected encounter that defines Grand Marnier will also come to life across the US for consumers 21+ as part of the brand’s ‘Encounters on Road’ event series and dedicated presence at the 2024 Roots Picnic, one of the summer’s most highly anticipated festivals, on June 1st and 2nd in Philadelphia.

To check out The Rouge Room content series, head to @grandmarnierusa.