Cuban bartender wins first place at World Cocktail Championship in China

Cuban bartender José Luis Rubín Hernández won first place in the Qin Hua Fenjiu category at the World Cocktail Championship held in Macau, China. The achievement represents a triumph for Cuba, Cubasol, and the tradition of Cuban bars, the Palmares Extrahotelera Company stated in a press release published on social media.

Rubín Hernández, an employee at El Cambio bar, part of the Palmares Company in Camagüey, demonstrated his skill and creativity in cocktail preparation, bringing the flavor and culture of Cuba to an international audience. He participated in the 2nd edition of the Lotus Prestige Cup and the International Baijiu Cocktail Competition, organized by the Union of Bartenders and Cocktail Makers of Macao (UBCM), in collaboration with the China National Association for Liquor and Spirits Circulation (CNALSC).

Bartenders, delegations, and experts from more than 20 countries attended the event. The classic and flair categories, which showcased a high level of technical skill, creativity, and mastery, were the focus of attention for four days.

The event also included an international forum where issues such as strategies to accelerate the globalization of Baijiu, the role of innovative marketing, joint cultural actions and the need to create new consumption scenarios that facilitate the entry of Baijiu into Western markets were addressed, according to the specialized magazine Excelencias Gourmet.