Floridian bartender Marco Pastanella from Edge Steak & Bar at Four Seasons Brickell in Miami has been crowned North America’s Most Sustainable Bartender in Flor de Caña Rum’s North American Final of the Sustainable Cocktail Challenge.
Beating 6 top bartenders to create the region’s most spectacular sustainable cocktail, Pastanella took the top spot with his cocktail “El Tesoro de Otro,” an exquisite drink made with discarded mint leaves, soda made from citrus peels, water from leftover ice and Flor de Caña 12 Year Rum.
The cocktails were evaluated based on elements such as the history and inspiration behind the cocktail, the use of sustainable ingredients/techniques and the level of creativity, in addition to its flavour and appearance.
“My experience in the competition was absolutely amazing, being around so many like-minded people helped me grow more both as a person and as a bartender. A huge thank you to the entire Flor de Caña team for putting this competition together,” said Pastanella, after being crowned North American Champion.
The judging panel was comprised of some of the most influential industry personalities, including Julio Cabrera, Bar Owner of Café La Trova, Miami; Taylor Barron, Director of Partnerships at Tales of the Cocktails Foundation; Mauricio Solórzano, Global Ambassador of Flor de Caña; and Kevin Brownlee, Director of Beverage Development of Cactus Club Canada.
Pastanella will now have the unique experience of representing the region in the Global Final in Nicaragua in February 2023, with all expenses covered, to compete for the title of “Flor de Caña World’s Most Sustainable Bartender” and a US$10,000 prize.
“Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is honoured to partner with Flor de Caña on the Sustainable Cocktail Challenge. This competition features not only individuals who are the future of the bar industry but also those who will lead our community into a more sustainable world,” said Taylor Barron, Director of Partnerships at Tales of the Cocktails Foundation.
Ashley Flynn from Toronto took the competition’s second spot and Tim Richards from Austin the third spot.
For more information, go to flordecana.com