Marriott International is set to dazzle cocktail enthusiasts with the highly anticipated culmination of the Clash of Mixologists competition. This prestigious individual cocktail contest has a noble mission – to champion the rich world of Beverage Culture and unearth hidden talents among the associates of Marriott International-managed hotels in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Maldives.

In partnership with esteemed establishments like 28 Hong Kong Street in Singapore, Junglebird in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the main sponsor, Malfy Gin, the competition witnessed an overwhelming surge of enthusiasm and participation from mixologists across the region. Out of a talent pool of 40 highly skilled participants drawn from various hotels and resorts in these three countries, six outstanding associates have risen as the cream of the crop. They are all set to display their unique mixology skills at the grand finale hosted at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands.

These finalists have earned their spot through a meticulous evaluation process that considered their crafted cocktails, each with its own captivating story and recipe. This assessment considered scores from judges and an internal social media contest. Without further ado, let’s meet these gifted mixologists representing some of the most prestigious Marriott International hotels in the region:

1. Beril Elmas Özüerler – The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
2. Daniel Thomas Stanislas – The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
3. Carman Lee – The Westin Singapore
4. Karan Vanker – W Singapore – Sentosa Cove
5. Eliza Tan – Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown
6. Jeffri Sulaiman – The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

The panel of judges for the grand finale, to be held at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is graced by luminaries from the industry. This includes Divyesh Chauhan, Owner of JungleBird, Kuala Lumpur, who holds the 35th position in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022, and Lukas Kaufmann, Operations Manager of 28 Hong Kong Street, Singapore, ranking 24th in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023. MMI Maldives (Maritime and Mercantile International), an exclusive supplier of premium beverages to resorts in the Maldives, will also have a representative among the esteemed judges, alongside Anuj Sharma, Area Director of Operations for Marriott International, Singapore & Maldives.

The judging criteria for the finalists’ cocktails are as rigorous as they are comprehensive, encompassing background and authenticity, technique and execution, appearance, taste, aroma, complexity, and originality. Exciting prizes await the winners, while all finalists will receive an artisanal Cocktail Kit and a Cocktail Journal, along with a certificate of recognition for their outstanding achievements.

Furthermore, Marriott International is keen on exploring opportunities to propel the champions into international competitions, amplifying their global exposure. The creations of these talented bartenders will also grace the bars of the participating hotels, allowing guests to savor and experience their artistry.

Anuj Sharma, Area Director of Operations for Marriott International, Singapore & Maldives, expressed his excitement, saying, “We are exhilarated to witness the culmination of the Clash of Mixologists competition, which has been a celebration of creativity and passion for mixology. This unique event has brought together associates from our Marriott International Managed Hotels in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Maldives, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition among our talented mixologists. The grand finale at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, promises to be a spectacle, highlighting the finest cocktails and the incredible talents behind them. We extend our gratitude to our esteemed partners, 28 Hong Kong Street, Junglebird, and Malfy Gin, whose unwavering support has made this journey truly remarkable. Clash of Mixologists exemplifies our commitment to nurturing talent within the beverage culture and reinforces Marriott’s dedication to delivering exceptional experiences to our guests worldwide.”

Malfy Gin, the main sponsor of the competition, reaffirms its regional partnership with Marriott International through Clash of Mixologists, underscoring its dedication to nurturing emerging mixology talent. This collaboration seeks to ignite creativity and innovation within the beverage industry.