| A bit about the UKBG…The UKBG is the oldest Bartenders Association in the world. It came into being in 1933 and since then it has grown into a large national, non-political, trade association with the main aim of advancing the professional skills of bar men and women throughout the UK.
Back in August last year Claudia Carrozzi, Cunard fleet’s head mixologist, along with the UKBG council, established the Maritime branch to give an equal opportunity to bartenders at sea. She’s now representing the UKBG Maritime Branch as chair and currently organizing cocktail competitions and other activities such as distilleries tours and on board training. |
In January we hosted the UKBG Calvados Nouvelle Vogue, a yearly, creative, Calvados-based cocktail competition. The prize for the bartender with the highest score from the Maritime branch wins a trip to Normandy, France, as a VIP guest (all expenses paid).
Last month, our winner, Rakesh Murali, from the Queen Mary 2, was flown from India to France and had the privilege of taking part in the judging panel for the grand final, along with the Guild President and other VIP judges as well as preparing the winning cocktail for the Gala night.
Rakesh said “It’s always being my dream to achieve something big in Mixology. It was indeed an honour to be invited to such a massive event for Mixology in Normandy. I would say this was a big step for me to be a part of it, representing Cunard and the UKBG Maritime branch.
Once I arrived in Paris I met up with all the participants, across 14 different countries, then travelled to Normandy.
They really made me feel welcome. We set up and once everything was ready for the event we took some time to socialise. There I met Mr Salvatore Damiano, the UKBG President. I was also introduced to Mr Bédu Didier, president of IDAC (Interprofession Des Appellations Cidricoles), and International Bartenders Association world champion, Ariel Sanecki.
I had the opportunity to participate to two workshops: Calvados and Chocolates tasting and Calvados with Coffee Mixology class.
All premium Grand Cru Calvados were included and I got to learn the blend of coffee liquor with Calvados and cream which they call a Normandy Coffee.
My award winning cocktail was called Sérénité:
- 2 oz Calvados Dupont VSOP
- 1 oz Yellow Chartreuse
- 1 oz Sour Apple
- 2 oz, Fresh Pineapple Juice
- 1/4 oz, Hibiscus Syrup
- 1/4 oz .Lime Juice
- Shaken Drink, garnished with edible rose buds
The inspiration of the cocktail was peace – Sérénité in French means a calm place or peace. Firstly I thought about sweet – I mean peace sounds like sweet and love to me. As my cocktail was based on Calvados I thought to introduce it with fruits and flowers with a blend of sour to it; the idea of bringing edible flowers as garnish indicates love.”
My award winning cocktail was called Sérénité:These are all great strides forward to give our Cunard bartenders some amazing opportunities and provide our Guests with some of the best mixologists, recognised across the world.
You can find out about more about Rakesh’s journey and win here.