Introduced in 2022 as part of the group’s 10th anniversary celebrations, the competition was created to support the local bartending community and highlight the evolving craft of mixology in Malaysia.
For 2024, the judging panel included Jon Lee (Penrose KL), Nicholas Ng (Food for Thought), and Affie Adut (2022 VMBC winner). The competition is open to both professional and home bartenders, with finalists selected through Instagram video submissions.
This year, the final round took place on 11 November at MariGin Bar, One KL, featuring 10 bartenders from various Kuala Lumpur bars. Each presented two original cocktails based on the themes “Italian Twist” and “Glitterati”.
The 2024 winner was Rosyam Hakimi (21) from Here & Now, who took home the championship trophy and RM10,000. His drinks — Breakfast in Italy and Mama Gua — were inspired by a Caprese salad and nostalgic childhood flavours.
Jason Dennis D’Cruz from Te Amo placed second, earning RM5,000. His cocktails were Sapori d’Italia, which featured parsley and Sambuca, and Mint BonBon, a chocolate-mint drink clarified with milk.
Third place went to Tan Xun from Reka Bar, who presented Cham Ponce — a tea-and-coffee take on the Livorno Punch — and Eternal Temptation, a rose and chocolate-forward cocktail.
All three winning drinks will be featured on the cocktail menu at Marini’s on 57.
For more on Marinis: https://marinisgroup.com/
