2019 Hip Sip: Battle of the Modern Bartender Competition
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2019, 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM, CENTER STAGE
Rum is on the rise! Rum is often a misunderstood spirit but has such a vast history and this year Hip Sip’s Battle of the Modern Bartender returns and is looking for the best cocktail featuring this versatile spirit! Are you the bartender or mixologist that is going to answer this call?
Bartenders will be judged on creativity, use of product, taste, presentation, and flair. Chosen finalists will battle in this fun and exciting competition on Center Stage for the chance to win $1,000, bragging rights, a Q&A with photo in the October 2019 issue of Bar Business Magazine, and a commemorative, glass plaque of the featured article.
We want to see those creative skills so submit your best unique rum cocktail or showcase your best Mojito, Hurricane, El Presidente, Daiquiri, Cubanito, Hemingway Special…the list goes on! Don’t hesitate and showcase those skills today!
Meet the 2019 Hip Sip Competitors
Garett Hagan,
The Twisted Tuna
Presenting "Sustainable Paradise"
Featuring Ziami Platinum and Wicked Dolphin
*2018 Hip Sip Winner
Amy Miller, Bartender,
Big Blue Brewing
Presenting "Myrtles Wicked Tea"
Featuring Wicked Dolphin
Olivia Ortiz, Bartender,
Big Blue Brewing
Presenting "Lavender Dream Martini"
Featuring Wicked Dolphin
Stevie Sorrentini, Head Bartender,
Daytona Autograph Collection
Presenting "Earthy, Spicy Rum Old Fashion"
Featuring Wicked Dolphin
Meet the 2019 Emcee...
Alexander Barranco, born and raised in Tampa Florida, in a large Cuban family. His family owned both a deli and a restaurant, beginning his love affair with the hospitality industry. After working a few years as a Medical Assistant, he discovered he missed being around people; he finally made the jump behind the bar 15 years ago. Since then, he has worked at various local establishments and currently, consults on bar set-up and beverage menu creations. He is the past President of the United States Bartenders' Guild Tampa Bay Chapter. Mr. Barranco enjoys traveling, the Tampa Bay Rays, and the Florida Sunshine.
Meet The Judges
Armando Rosario,
Master Mixologist & Spirits Educator,
Southern Wine & Spirits
Todd Ulmer, Owner,
Stardust Lounge;
Aku Aku Tiki Bar
Guillermo Pernot
Chef-Partner
Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
Melisa Lapido
Ormond Beach, FL
Follow me on Instagram @melis_boozy_cure
Spirit Sponsors
ZÍAMI Platinum – Florida Craft Rum at 40% ABV / 750mL
Aged white rum distilled from Florida molasses, matured in American oak bourbon barrels,
then carbon filtered to remove color but retain the full barrel flavor and aroma.
Result is an exceptionally smooth, lightly oaked white rum with bourbon nose and mellow coconut finish.
A top shelf white rum suitable for a wide variety of cocktails.
Wicked Dolphin Vanilla Bean 60 proof / Available in: 750ml
Blended with robust Madagascar vanilla beans to create a trimmed vanilla bean nose with hints of baked vanilla cream with a luxurious aroma.
Wicked Dolphin Coconut Rum 60 proof / Available in: 750ml, 1L, 1.75L
Made with real coconut water & natural ingredients for a genuine coconut taste. Not the overly syrup, sweet found in other coconut brands.
Wicked Dolphin Spiced Rum 80 proof / Available in: 1L
Flavored with special spice blend and vanilla. Sweetened with local honey. Florida orange peels to add some local flair.
Wicked Dolphin Crystal Rum 80 proof / Available in: 750ml, 1L, 1.75L
Handcrafted and made in pot stills for a clean, light, tropical style rum great for mixing.
Hip Sip Supporters
Interested in becoming a Spirit Sponsor or Supporting the Hip Sip Competition?
Please contact Patricia Copela for more details: patricia.copela@clarionevents.com or 203.202.3823
