Thailand claims Bacardi Legacy 2019 crown

By Lisa Riley

Published: 16 May, 2019

The 2019 Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition has been won by Ronnaporn Kanivichaporn from Bangkok, Thailand.

Wowing judges with his Pink me Up cocktail, Kanivichaporn triumphed over 42 cocktails - the largest ever to be judged in the global final - as the top eight finalists competed in Amsterdam earlier this week, including UK entrant Chelsie Bailey

Kanivichaporn’s win, the 11th winner of top cocktail competition, marks the first person to win ‘Legacy’ representing a country in Asia.

Combining Bacardi Carta Blanca rum with fresh muddled tomato, orgeat syrup, lemon juice, olive brine and fresh basil, Kanivichaporn said Pink Me Up was a “refreshing new take on the classic ‘pick me up’ cocktail category using rum, a spirit not often associated with ‘brunch’ style drinks”.

Ian Burrell, global rum ambassador and one of the competition judges, said: “Ronnaporn has managed to combine and create a flavor profile that, even someone like myself who doesn’t go for savory drinks, would enjoy and would recommend to somebody. For me it’s one of those drinks that, in the future, somebody would order as an alternative to a Bloody Mary.

“It’s just great to see somebody use rum to create something light and refreshing with tomato juice.”

Bacardi offers year-long support for the global winner to further their career by creating experiences tailored to meet their goals – providing them with opportunities to travel, work with the industry’s best and serve their winning ‘Legacy’ cocktail at some of the finest bars in the world.

The two 2019 runners up were Matthew Wakeford from United Arab Emirates and Nicole Fas from Puerto Rico.

In 2020, the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition will travel to the USA, taking place in Miami. With its huge Cuban population, which accounts for over a third of the city, Miami would provide the “perfect backdrop to decide the next Bacardi Legacy Global Champion”.

Founded in 2008, the Bacardi Legacy Cocktail Competition has grown to become one of the world’s largest cocktail competitions and attracts thousands of entries from around the world.

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