On a recent Monday night in Dallas, some of the top bartenders in Texas convened on the Joule hotel for the invite-only Bacardi Legacy event. Legacy is an event designed by Bacardi to educate bartenders on the history of Bacardi's iconic Superior rum, led by Brand Master Apprentice Aaron Rodonis. Part of the event includes a deconstructed tasting of the distillates that go in to the blend, at various stages in the production cycle.

Of course the cocktails make up the other part of the event, and bartenders are invited to craft a new cocktail in the style of Bacardi's "legacy" drinks--such classics as the Daiquiri, Cuba Libre, and Mojito. The challenge is to make a new drink that has the potential to become a ubiquitous drink, one that can be made in any kind of venue, across time. Because we are in Texas and brands cannot award prizes to bartenders in contests, this was a "showcase", in which no official winners were declared. Although it sounds trite, everyone at an event such as this truly is a winner, in that we get an incredible opportunity to enjoy great drinks, food, and camaraderie in a beautiful setting (and of course it doesn't hurt that we didn't have to pay for any of it--thanks, Bacardi!)


Myself (no mustache), Mindy Kucan (fake mustache), Michael Martensen (real mustache)

There were a number of great bartenders from across Texas, and many great drinks came with them to this event. In the end, only three cocktails were chosen to be considered for the Legacy Showcase that will take place on the national level next year. I'm happy to say that one of those was mine. I am joined by Michael Martensen of Dallas, and Mindy Kucan of Houston--and I can't help but point out that each of the three of us either is or was a USBG chapter president!