Three highly talented mixologists from Carnival Cruise Lines – Brian Bent, Ioana Luncean and Vera Restarovic – are among the finalists for the 2014 Bacardi Cruise Competition Bartender of the Year.
To be eligible for the 2014 contest, entrants had to submit their own “Inspired Cocktail” recipes to a panel of judges from Bacardi who selected their top five finalists with a sixth finalist chosen by an on-line vote of cruise enthusiasts. Judges recreated the entrants’ recipes to select the finalists whose cocktails were evaluated on the following criteria: innovation, creativity, inspiration, craftsmanship, creative use of Bacardi ingredients, originality of name, appeal and presentation.
Carnival’s three finalists include:
- Brian Bent (Carnival Liberty) for his Poseidon Cocktail comprised of Bacardi Oakheart, lemon juice, simple syrup, angostura bitters, ginger beer and fresh basil leaves
- Ioana Luncean (Carnival Sunshine) for her Breath of Fresh Air Cocktail featuring Bacardi Superior, lemon juice, lemongrass syrup, and St. Germain foam
- Vera Restarovic (Carnival Conquest) for creating the Black Sunrise (People’s Choice selection) with Bacardi Razz, passion fruit, pineapple and lime juice, Sprite and fresh blackberries
In addition to being the only cruise line with three finalists, Carnival bartender Adri Ford was named Bacardi Bartender of the Year for 2012 and 2013.
Winners will be announced September 5 during a reception in Miami.