26-year-old Chen Shibei from Speaklow Bar in Shanghai won the Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition 2015. (Photo : China Daily)
Twelve Chinese mixologists competed in the regional finals of the Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition 2015 hosted by Cuban rum company Bacardi at the Imperial Ancestral Temple of the Forbidden City in Beijing.
Asian elements were showcased at the competition where contestants had to create their own cocktail mix.
The elimination round started from September to October in 2014 where over 500 young bartenders joined but only 12 have survived to the finals.
But in the end, 26-year-old Chen Shibei from Speaklow Bar in Shanghai got the crown and became the first female winner of the competition.
"It's so amazing that I won the championship at the great Forbidden City. The competition is very exciting, and each bartender is great. I'm very proud of myself, for being a female bartender," Chen told China Daily.
When asked about her inspiration for the competition, Chen revealed that Shanghai, which is China's largest city, was her inspiration.
Chen began making cocktails when she was 20 and was even more motivated to make spirits when she learned to make high-quality drinks. She added that making cocktails have changed her life as she collects experience by joining the competition and talking to different people.
"It's not just about mixing ingredients with liqueurs and spirits. There is much depth to explore," said Chen.
In May, Chen will compete in Sydney, Australia, for the global finals.
Zhang Min from Flavor Lounge in Chongqing became the competition's second placer.
Dean McHugh, managing director of Greater China, Bacardi Asia Pacific Limited, stated that male mixologists like to create strong drinks, while females create strong and sweet drinks as they are balanced and creative about ingredients, China Daily reported.
Three years ago, the interest of the public in cocktails was very limited, compared today where it has grown a lot among Chinese drinkers.
"The next generation in China wants to try different things and experiment with international trends. The spending of the middle-class in China will change the consumption patterns around the world, including in the cocktail industry," McHugh told China Daily.
Originated in Santiago City, Cuba, Bacardi rums have 200 brands and labels that can be used in cocktail drinks like the mojito and the Cuba Libre.
The Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition started in China in 2013 to showcase the talents of Chinese mixologists.
