If you’re partial to a Mojito or Pina Colada, Cuba should be at the top of your travel list for 2022. But we’re not just talking about the authentic rum shacks that line the beaches of Cuba – though these are valid reasons to visit in themselves, of course. With 24 votes in favour, the annual General Assembly of the International Bartenders Association (IBA) recently awarded Cuba as the next venue to host the prestigious World Cocktail Championship in 2022 – and we’re totally here for it!
Surpassing other proposed countries including Italy and Russia, the popular beach resort of Varadero is the chosen destination for the upcoming cocktail-mixing event – and we can’t think of a better place to hold such an occasion, given the rich history of Cuba’s cocktails.
What is the World Cocktail Championships
Taking place from November 4th to 9th, this annual competition gathers the best bartenders from the 65 different national associations for a variety of mixing and flairtending events, with categories including before dinner cocktails, long drinks, sparkling cocktails, short drinks, after-dinner cocktails, and bartender’s choice. But it’s not all about the flavour, since the flairtending section of the competition celebrates the best in appearance and presentation, giving bartenders the chance to show off their juggling skills! So, whether your go-to tipple is a classic Negroni, refreshing Margarita or a Daiquiri– you’re sure to find it here!