David Rios of Jigger Cocktail & Disco Bar from Spain
The World Class Global Final has concluded naming, David Rios of Jigger Cocktail & Disco Bar from Spain, as the Global Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year 2013. The finals saw 44 of the world’s best bartenders gathering aboard the boutique Azamara Club Cruise’s ship, Azamara Journey, for a week of intense competition.
David stood out from the rest on the contenders with his winning cocktails. His Gold Basque Punch, comprised of Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve, Amer Picon, pineapple juice, grenadine and soda, garnished with an orange slice, star anise and mint. His signature drink used Ketel One vodka, Apero-flavored strawberries, sugar syrup, kumquat and grapefruit juice, egg white and orange bitters.
“I am thrilled and humbled to be awarded Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year amongst the incredibly talented group of bartenders at the Global Final. I have been truly inspired this week by the unequivocally high standards and limitless talent at the Global Final. I look forward to the year ahead, traveling the world as an ambassador for the program, meeting my peers, educating new talent, and learning about new cocktail cultures and trends around the globe,” said Rios.
The Asia Pacific Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year 2013 title was awarded to Tsuyoshi Miyazaki from Japan. Zachary de Git from Singapore, nabbed the winning title for the Mediterranean Mastery Challenge, which required the bartenders to take into account the influence of Mediterranean food and drink culture on cocktails and fine drinking.
