CLCollectiveCOCKTAILCollectiveCOCKTAICOCKTAILCOLLECTIVECOCKTAILCOLLECTIVECOCKTAILCOLLECTIVECOCKTAILCOLLECTIVE
BACARDÍ RUM PARTNERS WITH 2023 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS Making A Stir

BACARDÍ RUM PARTNERS WITH 2023 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS

August 23,2023

Global Rum brand BACARDÍ is set to become the first spirits partner of the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) to celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop culture and the songs, artists, albums and videos that have defined the genre.

“As a vanguard of the visual identity of music, we’re honoured to be the first-ever Spirits Partner of the MTV VMAs, especially during the 50thanniversary of Hip Hop,” said Lisa Pfenning, BACARDÍ’s Vice President of North America.

“As the VMAs have long celebrated both the sound and the style of Hip Hop, BACARDÍ has long been embedded in Hip Hop culture, inspiring some of the most memorable lyrics, movements, and music video moments from artists who have defined a generation. We look forward to working with MTV and Paramount Brand Studio to present this monumental celebration and highlight the multiple points of Hip Hop culture.”

In honor of the partnership with the 2023 MTV Music Video Awards, BACARDÍ will bring the celebration of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary to consumers in New York and nationwide, including:

  • BACARDÍ Vintage pop-up in New York City: Leading up to the show, BACARDÍ will pay tribute to the iconic style of Hip Hop with BACARDÍ Vintage: a pop-up retail and cocktail experience in partnership with MTV, Paramount Brand Studio, Metropolis, and Stadium Goods open to the public in NYC on Friday, September 8th. Showcasing the genre’s influence on both music and fashion over the past 50 years, the retail experience will feature limited-edition merchandise and a curated selection of archival sneakers by longtime partner and renowned streetwear retailer, Stadium Goods; vintage t-shirts, jackets, and rare concert merch sourced by NYC vintage haven, Metropolis; as well as an intimate, Caribbean-inspired lounge serving BACARDÍ cocktails.
  • A Limited-Edition BACARDÍ x VMA bottle and Consumer Sweepstakes: To bring the celebration to fans nationwide, BACARDÍ is releasing a limited-edition run of one thousand re-designed bottles and gift box set honouring the historic anniversary and the iconic awards ceremony. With the same liquid that has been name-checked in countless songs, the unique BACARDÍ bottle also features a speciality QR code, giving consumers a chance to win tickets to the 2023 MTV VMAs. The limited-edition gift set is available for purchase at www.bacardi.com/us/en/our-rums/limited-edition-vma-hip-hop-bottle/.
  • BACARDÍ  Performance Partnership and Exclusive Custom Content: During the 2023 VMA broadcast, BACARDÍ will partner with the VMAs around a performance paying tribute to the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, along with the debut of a special BACARDÍ custom content featuring two surprise celebrity guests, representing the legacy and future of Hip Hop, to debut during the VMA ceremony. Created and produced by Paramount Brand Studio, the spot will feature a custom mix of music representing BACARDÍ’s presence in the songs we know and love through the decades.
  • BACARDÍ Mojito Mo-Problems, the Official Cocktail of the VMAs: On awards night, BACARDÍ will be sipped by fans and stars alike throughout the VMAs ceremony at the Prudential Center in New Jersey on September 12th. To celebrate the partnership, BACARDÍ has created an all-new signature cocktail for the 2023 VMAs –the Mojito Mo-Problems made with BACARDÍ Superior rum – and an extended custom cocktail menu including the BACARDÍ 808 made with award-winning BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho rum and the Mango Fuego, featuring the all-new BACARDÍ Mango Chile flavoured rum expression. See below for the official recipe and other VMA cocktails that will be served at the show.

For more information, follow @bacardi on all social channels. For more information about BACARDÍ activations surrounding the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, head over to https://www.bacardi.com/us/en/bestofhiphop.

Mojito Mo-Problems, Official Cocktail of the 2023 MTV VMAs

PIN IT

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2oz BACARDÍ Superior Rum
  • 3/4oz lime juice
  • 1/2oz Monin Mojito Mint syrup
  • 1/2oz Real Passionfruit syrup
  • 2oz club soda
  • 5-6 fresh mint leaves

Instructions

Combine BACARDÍ Superior Rum, lime juice, syrups and mint leaves in a shaker tin with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a cup over fresh ice and top with a splash of club soda. Stir to incorporate. Garnish with a mint sprig.

BACARDÍ RUM PARTNERS WITH 2023 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS Making A Stir

ART OF ITALICUS APERITIVO CHALLENGE RETURNS TO FIND THE NEXT MODERN SPRITZ

February 10,2025

Italian Aperitivo brand Italicus has announced the return of its The Art of Italicus Aperitivo Challenge for its seventh edition.

With a bold new challenge and a prestigious prize, the 2025 competition calls on bartenders from across the globe to reimagine a new way to Spritz.

Poised to enrich aperitivo culture to new heights, the winner of the competition will earn the coveted title of Italicus Bar Artist of the Year 2025 and embark on an exclusive mentorship programme that includes access to the most prestigious bar industry events worldwide and an opportunity to work alongside the talented Lorenzo Antinori, from the celebrated Bar Leone in Hong Kong.

“As we celebrate the seventh edition of the Art of Italicus Aperitivo Challenge, we continue to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the aperitivo tradition,” explained Giuseppe Gallo, founder and CEO of Italicus.

PIN IT

“This year’s focus on reimagining the spritz reflects our commitment to keeping the ritual fresh, exciting and relevant. With Lorenzo Antinori as our partner and a grand final in Europe, the 2025 challenge will undoubtedly showcase the extraordinary talent of bartenders worldwide,’ Gallo continued.

Through this year’s challenge, Italicus invites bartenders to innovate while honouring the spritz’s timeless appeal. Participants are encouraged to draw inspiration from any form of art, such as painting, sculpture, music, architecture, or fashion, to craft a drink that embodies creativity and sophistication while demonstrating the spirit’s versatility and distinctive bergamot essence.

“The spritz, is synonymous with the aperitivo tradition and has enjoyed global popularity thanks to its light, refreshing character and versatility.” says Roberta Mariani, Advocacy Director for Italicus. “As appreciation for the spritz continues to grow, Italicus leads the way, championing quality, diversity and artistry in the aperitivo movement.”

This year, the competition welcomes participants from 10 countries: France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, UK, USA, and a Wild Card entry open to bartenders from other nations.

Competitors are tasked with creating an original spritz cocktail using a minimum of 40ml (or 1.5oz in the US) Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto and no more than five ingredients.

Entrants must submit their recipe, including an image of the cocktail, detailed measurements, garnishes and glassware specifications, via the competition website by 28th April, 2025. Competitors are also required to share the inspiration behind their aperitivo creation.

Applications open February 10th, 2025, and can be submitted online atwww.artofitalicus.com. Participants are encouraged to share their creations on social media using the hashtags: #italicus #rosoliodibergamotto #artofitalicus #AOI25.

BACARDÍ RUM PARTNERS WITH 2023 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS Making A Stir

ARIZONA COCKTAIL WEEKEND RETURNS FOR ITS 13TH YEAR

January 30,2025

Arizona Cocktail Weekend, the longest-running cocktail event in the Southwest, will return to the greater Phoenix area on February 27th for its 13th year.

Running through to March 4th, the five days of exciting events will feature three signature events: The Cocktail Carnival, Top Bars, and Last Slinger Standing. Additionally, there will be tastings at global bar pop-ups, expert-led educational seminars and cocktail-paired dinners, and can’t-miss cocktail events.

The Cocktail Carnival will kick off the weekend on Saturday, March 1st, with a high-energy blend of brand showcases, brand activation-driven entertainment, and endless fun. Featuring innovative and immersive displays and booths, each ticket grants attendees access to over 30 expertly crafted cocktail samples.

On Sunday, Top Bars will feature over 40 of the world’s best cocktail bars travelling to Downtown Phoenix as pop-ups, sharing some of their most popular signature cocktails. A fan-favourite, the event will be headlined by some of the best bars from around the world, with previous years’ guests including Allegory from Washington, DC; Penicillin from Hong Kong; Eleven Madison Park from New York City; and Silverleaf from London.

Arizona’s top mixologists will battle it out on Monday at The Last Slinger Standing competition. Hosted at Republic National Distilling Company (RNDC), the competition will pit 16 of Arizona’s best mixologists against each other in head-to-head battles. Each round features secret ingredients and will be judged by a panel of renowned cocktail experts from around the world … that is until the last slinger remains standing to take the 2025 trophy.

For the second year, Arizona Cocktail Weekend will also feature venues and bars from across the state. The event will highlight the craft of cocktails from participating bars and restaurants, featuring spirits from brand sponsors. Sign-up is free for all Arizona venues.

For more information, go to arizonacocktailweekend.com

BACARDÍ RUM PARTNERS WITH 2023 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS Making A Stir

GLENMORANGIE ENLISTS HARRISON FORD IN NEW CAMPAIGN

January 28,2025

Scottish whiskey producer Glenmorangie has teamed up with Hollywood icon Harrison Ford for a new global campaign.

Once Upon A Time In Scotland, brings Ford’s trademark wry humour to the fore in a series of episodic films directed by actor and film-maker Joel Edgerton.

Harrison Ford is the real deal: a true global icon, and a genuine whisky lover. It was a dream come true to collaborate on this campaign and welcome him to our home in the Highlands to discover more about Glenmorangie,” said Caspar MacRae, President & CEO of The Glenmorangie Company.

“He is someone who has honed his craft over decades, which gives him a real appreciation for the dedication and skill of our distillery team. Like us, he’s not afraid to laugh at himself — and I think Joel has perfectly captured his authentic warmth, alongside his roguish sense of humour.

“We hope whisky lovers around the world will enjoy exploring the episodes, and learning more about the real people and places behind our whiskies, through Harrison’s eyes,” continued MacRae.

Once Upon a Time in Scotland takes us behind the scenes as Harrison Ford journeys to Glenmorangie’s Highland home to discover the skill and craftsmanship of making each bottle of its complex and elegant whisky.

“I loved working with the team at the Distillery — they were all great,” said Ford. “The whole process of filming was full of unanticipated joys: little unexpected moments. It’s a tribute to Glenmorangie’s sensibilities that they let us be less than totally serious. I think what Joel has produced has a certain charm to it, because it’s unpretentious and just amusing.”

It sees the actor enjoy the authentic Scottish experience — from getting to grips with the nuances of Scottish pronunciation and kilt etiquette, to bonding with locals over a dram of single malt — all shot in an unconventional, deliberately ‘off-script’ style.

Filmed in the picturesque north-east Highlands of Scotland, the campaign captures the natural beauty of the local area: from the historic distillery in Tain where Glenmorangie has been created for over 180 years, to the storied 19th century Ardross Castle, and the dramatic landscapes surrounding Loch Glass.

Appearing alongside Ford are the real Glenmorangie distillery team — who embraced their first experience of acting under the guidance of a global cinematic legend — while the brand’s flagship whiskies, Glenmorangie Original 12 Years Old and Glenmorangie Infinita 18 Years Old also take on a starring role.

“I’ve spent my whole life watching commercials that follow an expected format and so I really like it when things are a little disruptive, fun, and irreverent,” said Edgerton. “It was nice that we got a chance within the very traditional industry of whisky to get behind the scenes, to subvert the seriousness that often goes into an advertising campaign and have fun with that.

“I hope that people get to see the short film and the full-length episodes — and enjoy them and share them around,” Edgerton continued.

Edgerton’s 12 episodes and hero film are complemented by still images shot by acclaimed fashion photographer Lachlan Bailey. They feature Ford as he’s never been seen before: donning a stylish Scottish kilt designed by streetwear brand Palace.

BACARDÍ RUM PARTNERS WITH 2023 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS Making A Stir

NORTH AMERICA’S 50 BEST BARS SETS ITS SIGHTS ON VANCOUVER

January 23,2025

North America’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, will return for a fourth edition in April 2025. The three-day event program will be held in Vancouver, Canada.

This is the first time in North America’s 50 Best Bars history that the awards will be held in Canada. The awards will shine a spotlight on the country’s world-class cocktail scene and celebrate the best bartending talent in the region.

Additionally, this year will also mark the first time since the North American award’s inception that the list will be extended to include the 51-100 ranking.

“After an electrifying celebration last year, we are thrilled to bring North America’s 50 Best Bars to Canada for the first time,” explained Emma Sleight, Head of Content for North America’s 50 Best Bars.

“Hosting the awards in Vancouver, a city renowned for its dynamic cocktail culture, stunning natural beauty, and outstanding hospitality scene, allows us to highlight the city’s exceptional talent and celebrate its innovation on a global stage. We look forward to recognising the people and places that continue to elevate North America as a true leader in the world of hospitality.”

North America’s 50 Best Bars highlights excellence in the bars industry specifically in the USA, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

“Vancouver is proud to host North America’s 50 Best Bars for the first time this year. The multi-day event will shine a spotlight on the incredible talent and creativity of our city’s hospitality and mixology scene,” says Royce Chwin, President & CEO, Destination Vancouver.

“North America’s 50 Best Bars recognises excellence across the continent while providing a platform to showcase Vancouver’s vibrant culinary culture, diverse communities, and innovative spirit. As a global destination, we are excited to collaborate with industry leaders and create memorable experiences for everyone who attends.”

Ahead of the awards, the Michter’s Art of Hospitality, the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender and the 51-100 List will be announced.

For more information, go to theworlds50best.com

BACARDÍ RUM PARTNERS WITH 2023 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS Making A Stir

HAVANA CLUB LAUNCHES SECOND 'COCKTAIL MAESTROS' COMPETITION

January 15,2025

Global Rum brand Havana Club has announced the second instalment of its team competition: Havana Club Cocktail Maestros.

The contest will take bartending teams from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas on a journey through national qualifications and regional challenges. Then, they will embark on an inspirational trip to Havana to discover Cuba’s vibrant energy and the brand’s unique cultural legacy. 

“Havana Club and mixology share an entwined history,” explained Maxime Chevalier, Senior Brand Advocacy Manager at Havana Club. “It’s safe to say that the rum category and Havana Club would not be where it is today without the support and creative energy of the bartending community. 

“This competition is a chance for us to give back and provide a platform to the incredibly talented bartenders around the world. Much more than a cocktail contest, Havana Club Cocktail Maestros brings the community together through shared cultural experiences, in-depth brand education and training. 

“It’s an opportunity for us to take those at the heart of industry on a journey through Havana Club’s rich and diverse heritage and the artistry behind our exceptional rums.”

With a €10,000 prize for the winning team, the competition will reward creativity, flavour, and team spirit. Unlike the inaugural competition, contestants can now partner with someone from a different venue within the same country, fostering long-term connections across the industry. 

The top 10 teams from each country will progress to the national finals, where they’ll create a Cuban afro-Latin-inspired cocktail for a dedicated local jury. 

For the regional stage, teams will meet for a series of training sessions and challenges. They’ll learn to work together in stimulating environments, guided by regional industry mentors. Then, they’ll begin accumulating points before jetting off to Havana for the final stage of the contest in April 2026. 

The four-day finals in Cuba will allow contestants to immerse themselves in the passion of the city and its lively bar scene, as well as the craftsmanship and culture that’s captured in every bottle of Havana Club. Teams will also partake in the Great Havana Hustle challenge, testing their skills over the course of a unique bar shift, showcasing their expertise, hospitality, and teamwork abilities. 

A panel of industry icons, including world-renowned drinks figure Sandrae Lawrence and friend of the brand Simone Caporale, will decide the grand winners, pending the announcement of the last trio member. 

Competition details and dates within each territory are now available on the Havana Club website. Follow the link to enter and the chance to be crowned “Havana Club Cocktail Maestros”: https://havana-club.com/en/havana-club-cocktail-maestros/.

See the latest on Youtube and Instagram

Follow and subscribe for videos, photos & more ... Follow Follow