Norwegian Cruise Line Head Mixologist Marc McArthur has won the Diageo Global Travel Best Bartender title.
McArthur, 28 and from South Africa, competed against bartenders from Celebrity Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line in a semi-final event at the Diageo Bar 396 in Miami yesterday (20 June).
Norwegian Cruise Line Head Mixologist Marc McArthur in action at the semi-final event
He is now set to compete against 56 of the world’s best bartenders in the global final of the Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year competition in Mexico City, between 20 and 24 August.
Diageo Global Travel stressed that the competition is not judged exlusively on taste. The panel of judges observed McArthur and his fellow semi-finalists on a range of elements of their craft, including creativity, knowledge, storytelling, presentation and the overall delivered drinking experience.
McArthur described his success as the highlight of his career. “I can’t wait to compete with the best and bring the confidence and skills I’ve developed through the World Class programme to Mexico City,” he said. His winning cocktails included ‘Smoke and Fire’, featuring Don Julio Blanco tequila, and ‘Marilyn Monroe’ and ‘Sherry Martini’, both featuring Tanqueray Ten gin.
A proud Marc McArthur celebrating his success with (on the left) Diageo Americas Commercial Director Marcos Bibas and Norwegian Cruise Line Vice President Food and Beverage Operations and Development Karl Muhlberger
Diageo Americas Commercial Director Marcos Bibas said: “The World Class programme is devised to educate and inspire bartenders to deliver outstanding drinking experiences, and I’m delighted we can offer this experience to cruise line bartenders on board our partners’ ships.”
He said the semi-final event showcased a “remarkable standard of craftsmanship and creativity”.
Norwegian Cruise Line Restaurant and Beverage Development & Operations Senior Director Wes Cort commented: “We’re so pleased for Marc and his achievement. He always works incredibly hard to deliver the finest guest experience aboard Norwegian Escape and his terrific performance last night was no different.
“We’d like to extend our sincerest gratitude to World Class for putting on such a thrilling event and for training our bartenders in the art and science of creating moment-defining cocktails, using award-winning spirits from the Diageo Reserve collection. Our partnership provides Norwegian Cruise Line guests with fine drinking experiences, making our guests’ overall cruise vacation unforgettable.”
Cocktail time: McArthur’s winning blends included ‘Smoke and Fire’, ‘Marilyn Monroe’ and ‘Sherry Martini’
