IMG_8298A day filled with big, bold, quality driven Diplomático Rum is never a bad way to spend a Monday, or any day of the week for that matter. Recently Diplomático Rum held a World Cocktail Competition where some of the best Mixologists who won in NY, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and Miami. This event took place in two parts, first presenting them to the judges and a small panel of rum tasters (myself included), showcasing the background behind their rum cocktail. The winner of the competition will have the opportunity to represent the USA in Venezuela, and go on to be the Diplomático World Ambassador! 

The judging panel included esteemed spirits experts Dale DeGr off, aka King Cocktail, Leo Robitschek, beverage director at the NoMad Hotel, as well as Nick Nistico, the US representative in the 2013 World Tournament. The cocktail was judged across several categories including Presentation, Taste, Originality and Techniques.

IMG_8304The cocktails were certainly flowing part two of the event, where the party was held on a Yacht. Here many industry professionals had the opportunity to talk, taste, and vote for their favorite cocktail. I personally loved them all, and The Hipster School Teacher Cocktail had a very fun story behind it, however there was one cocktail that simply stole my heart over and over again. The Chimpin’ Aint Easy cocktail was reminiscent of caramelized banana, lime, and coffee notes. It was truly a divine cocktail, and i’m so lucky Nick Meyer was able to share the recipe! He also won the competition; Congrats Nick!

“Chimpin’ Aint Easy” – Created by Nick Meyer  of  Brilliantshine, Santa Monica.

1/2 oz Diplomático Anejo IMG_8310

3/4 oz Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva 

3/4 oz Dolin Dry Vermouth 

3/4 oz Housemade Macadamia Piloncillo Syrup3/4 oz fresh lime juice

1.5 oz Housemade Banana Phosphate 

Served on crushed ice with a metal straw 

Garnishes: 

Edible marigolds candied with banana dust, Kona coffee grounds mixed with bitter chocolate shavings dusted on top, Banana chips, and a candied Marigold flower.

A little bit about Diplomático:

A rum that is consistently recognized as one of the finest premium South American rums and over the years. It has become an international standard, and loved for both sipping and in cocktails. Diplomático has earned critical acclaim, winning over 54 medals in competitions worldwide. 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). Lastly, but certainly not the least with this fantastic spirit, 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.