Roberto Rosa of New York City’s East Side Cantina won the NYC qualifying round of the Diplomático World Tournament with his cocktail, “A Hop, Skip and a Jump.” Rosa will move on to compete at the country final competition in January against the winners from the Boston, Chicago, Miami and Los Angeles qualifying rounds. During these heats, bartenders from across the country will compete for the chance to represent the U.S. in April at the Diplomático World Tournament. Finalists from 28 countries will compete in the World Final.
The NYC heat was held at The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog, recently named America’s #1 bar, and featured 11 of New York’s best and brightest bartenders including Sean Patrick McClure, Le Bernadin; Gregory Buda, Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog; Keith Cagney, Eastwood; Carlos Victoria, The Brooklyn Star; Garret Richard, Prime Meats; Sofia Present, Middle Branch; Ulysses Vidal, Employees Only; Frank Stilo, Sweet Water Social; Shinya Yamao, Priora; and Dustin Olson, Forrest Point.
Roberto Rosa’s cocktail, “A Hop, Skip and a Jump”, scored points with the judges across all categories: Presentation, Taste, Originality and Technique. Rosa, who was born in Puerto Rico, called on his heritage for inspiration. He told the judges he was inspired by the Taino Indians who emigrated from Puerto Rico to Venezuela centuries ago. He used home-brewed Mauby, a syrup made on many Caribbean islands that has a distinct flavor resembling root beer to finish his cocktail. This touch, he says, “is a nod to history because the Taino Indians favored Mauby.”
A Hop, Skip and a Jump
Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
Barrows Intense Ginger Liqueur
Fresh Juice of Mango
Lime juice
Home-brewed Mavi (mauby)
Homemade Caribbean Tincture (Hibiscus, Nutmeg, Cloves, Oranges, Star Anise, Cinnamon)
Garnish: Mango peel wrapped around a brandied cherry in the shape of a flower
The judging panel consisted of: Jason Wilson, spirits critic and author of the acclaimed “Boozehound”; David Boxwill, Spirits Director of American Cut in Tribeca; Esteban Ordonez, owner of The International Cocktail Group; and Paolo Domeneghetti, CEO of Domaine Select Wine Estates, which is the exclusive importer of Diplomático rums.
“This was an extremely talented group of bartenders and it was a difficult decision. Roberto not only created a great tasting cocktail, but brought together a unique set of ingredients and flavors which complemented Diplomático perfectly,” said Domeneghetti .
The next US qualifying round will take place in Boston on October 27th at The Hawthorne, and in November qualifying rounds will take place in Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami.
Diplomático is consistently recognized as one of the finest premium South American rums and over the years has become an international standard. Diplomático has earned critical acclaim, winning over 54 medals in competitions worldwide including the SIP awards, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Miami Rum XP and Monde Selection. Rum Master Tito Cordero has been honored at the Golden Rum Barrel Awards for his craftsmanship and earned the title of World’s Best Master Blender twice (2011-2013). In 2013, Diplomático earned the award for Best Distillery and was recently named the #1 Trending Rum in America’s Hottest Bars by Drinks International.
