Interview: Elizabeth Marini on the third edition of the Viva Marini Bartending Competition

Since its inception in 2022, the Viva Marini Bartending Competition has been a platform for bartenders to showcase their creativity, innovation and mixology mastery. Following a thrilling showdown in 2023 which crowned Amanda Wan Winchester as the champion, the event will return on November 11 this year. Both amateur and professional bartenders will gather once again for an unforgettable night of cocktails, creativity and camaraderie. Ahead of the competition, we speak to Elizabeth to learn more about what’s in store for this year’s event.

Hi Liz! How has life been since we last chatted back in April?
Much has transpired since we last spoke. Travels took most of my time in the last few months; still, I’m happy to announce that The Marini’s Group has also expanded and added one more iconic rooftop destination to our portfolio. Mesa On 51, comprising the Spanish restaurant and Nikkei Lounge, will transport one to experience the passion of Spain in all its glory through our fiery Spanish flavours and intricate Nikkei fusion cuisine. I can’t wait for you to experience the space when the restaurant opens at the end of October. For now, the Nikkei Lounge and outdoor Terrace Bar are operating with an opening menu.

Now in its third year, what inspired this competition?
The Viva Marini Bartending Competition was introduced in 2022 as part of the 10th-anniversary celebration activities for Marini’s on 57 and The Marini’s Group. This cocktail challenge is an additional stage for our bartending industry professionals to showcase their skills. Modesto and I have always felt that our bartenders are constantly working hard behind the scenes and creating amazing drinks for our customers. We thought why not provide the industry players a platform to showcase some of these hidden talents? That’s why we decided to have artistic reels and live tastings for the competition. Some of the bartenders are the best social media photographers around.

Tell us more about this year’s theme.
This year’s theme is “Italian Twist” while the second theme for the final live event is ”Gliterrati”. We love the pompous, celebration-like cocktails because there’s always a reason to celebrate.

What can participants expect from this year’s competition? Are there any new elements incorporated?
The themes for the cocktails and the spirit partners who may come on board change yearly. And there’s always an element of surprise towards the end of the competition.

Please walk us through this year’s competition format.
To participate, all they have to do is send in an original cocktail recipe based on the first theme and post a creative video of themselves preparing the cocktail on Instagram before the closing deadline. Once submissions have closed, a set number of finalists will be selected to present two cocktails at the final on 11 November. At the live event, the finalists will have five minutes to prepare and present each cocktail where they will be judged live on their presentation, flavour profiles and more. 

What makes this competition unique compared to other bartending events in the region?
I’m not sure about other competitions but usually, most of the bartending competitions are organised by a specific supplier or brand owner. This makes it compulsory for the bartenders to use only the house brands belonging to the respective supplier or brand owner. The Viva Marini’s Bartending Competition allows a wider selection of spirit and liquor brands for the bartenders to explore, with no strings attached — the winner goes home with MYR10,000 cash. This I believe is the significant difference. A platform to showcase their creativity and go home knowing that their efforts are fully rewarded.

Can you share a memorable moment or story from past competitions?
There are many memorable moments but it’s the camaraderie and support that the bartenders have shown each other that stands out. 

What is the most challenging part of the competition for the participants?
Creating cocktails is an art that requires knowledge, passion and a good palate. The challenge is to make a cocktail that showcases all that and that represents your skill in a crunch time of five minutes while holding the attention of the judges and audience as you make it. This is a depiction of our business and industry. A customer cannot wait too long for a good drink so a good bartender needs to be mindful of not just the drink he or she is making but also to consider the well-being of the customer.

What is the most rewarding part of hosting this competition?
Bartending is a physically demanding and high-pressure job, and not every bartender has the opportunity to shine or fully show what he or she is capable of. This competition is a way for us to give something back to the bartending community with a fun and friendly platform for the talents, providing a voice for those who need exposure and to be seen in this industry. I love seeing the faces of the bartenders when they are recognised and rewarded as they should be.

Lastly, what is your cocktail of choice?
My recent favourite is a cocktail we’ve named “Tropical Rush”. It is a concoction created by our head bartender, mixing ingredients like fresh coconut water, fresh pineapple juice and rum. It is refreshing and interesting.