CubaPLUS Magazine

This Thursday night was characterized by the tradition of Cuban cocktails prevailing and the presentation of prizes to the winners in the contest of the specialty “Fabio Delgado in Memoriam”, which was celebrated for everything that marks the centenary of the Cuban Bartenders Association (ACC).

With the presence of the Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, the celebrations for that important anniversary concluded, as more than a number represents an entire century of traditions and triumphs of cocktails Cuban throughout the world, born at the end of the 19th century. The festivities, held this week at the majestic hotel National of Cuba, concluded with the awards ceremony for the winners of the contest who obtained it in the freestyle (Flair) Joel Pons in the first place; Robert Acuña and Karel Ramírez in the second and third, respectively. For his part, José Luis Rubín Hernández was crowned in the classic style with his cocktail achieving dreams, followed by Enmanuel Pérez Villa and Christian Figueredo Suárez, respectively. In turn, the bartender Vladimir Márquez was the winner of the Centenario cocktail, preparation that serves to honor the 100 years since the ACC was founded. Another important moment of the evening was when the designation of Havana as the cocktail capital of Ibero-America by part of the Ibero-American Academy of Gastronomy, whose certificate was delivered to García Granda by the vice president of that institution and president of the Excelencias Group, José Carlos de Santiago.

Speaking at the ceremony, Rafa Malen, honorary president of the ACC, He referred to the importance of the association, of which he has been a part for several decades, and pointed out that the organization is closely linked to history and the culture of the country, and has been a fundamental pillar in the development of tourism and Cuban gastronomy. The association celebrates its hundred years of existence with pride and gratitude and is a tribute to all who have contributed to his legacy and a reminder of the importance of keeping traditions alive while embracing them new opportunities and challenges, she highlighted. With each cocktail prepared, she said in closing, the Cuban bartenders, not only serve a drink, but they also share a piece of history and soul of Cuba.

Also attending the closing ceremony were Giorgio Fadda, president of the International Bartenders Association (IBA), Eddis Naranjo, president of the ACC and other authorities and professionals related to the sector. The spirits that starred in the celebration were Havana Club rums and Italian liqueurs from the Amargos Nonino brand. The Association of Bartenders of Cuba is a non-governmental organization, linked to the Ministry of Tourism, belongs to the IBA, has the sponsorship of Habana Club International S.A. and is registered as the legal representative of the Cuban canteen school before the ministry of Justice and the Formatur Hotel and Tourism School.