The initiative is part of the program of the most significant contest of the International Bartenders Association (IBA) and a tribute to Sergio Serrano, creator of this cocktail, a world champion in 2003, and the only Cuban winner of the event so far.

On the previous day, Vladimir Márquez, a bartender who competed for Cuba in the traditional style, passed the first round elimination and secured a place in the semifinal.

The 30-year-experience bartender competed with the Déjà Vu cocktail in the Sparkling category, a drink inspired by his father, who taught him his passion for this profession since he was a child.

Márquez stressed that participating at an event of this level and representing his country is a honor for any bartender, especially when the professional quality of the competitors is undeniable.

The competition, in which more than 500 people from 60 nations are participating, is being held at the Meliá Internacional Hotel in Varadero until November 8.

As part of the event’s program, the IBA board of directors and the national presidents of the organization visited the San José distillery, home of Havana Club rum, on Saturday.

During the inauguration ceremony of the event, José Rafa Malém, president of the Association of Cuban Bartenders (ACC), stressed that the event would also dignify the island’s bartenders as part of the nation’s cultural heritage.

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