Wellingtonian set to take centre stage at Havana Club International Cocktail Grand Prix in Cuba

Wellington is a far cry from Cuba, but that’s exactly where bartender Claire Harlick will embark next week, as she prepares to represent New Zealand at the 2010 Havana Club International Cocktail Grand Prix in Havana. The talented mixologist from Wellington’s Matterhorn bar will be competing in the Cocktail Grand Prix to be held in the Cuban capital, the home of Havana Club rum, from 11th-15th May.

After winning the New Zealand final in her hometown at the end of last year, Claire will be joined in Havana with runner-up Tim Martin from Mea Culpa in Auckland. The mixologist duo are looking forward to this once in a lifetime trip, where Claire will share the stage with leading mixologists from 30 countries, whilst competing for the ultimate title – the Havana Club International Cocktail Grand Prix 2010 winner.

“I was blown away to win the national title and I’m incredibly proud to be representing New Zealand in Cuba. To be able to prepare my cocktails in front of some of the best in the business and in the birthplace of the world’s most revered cocktails is an incredible honour,” says Claire.

A biannual event now in its eighth year, the Cocktail Grand Prix is a celebration of the world’s top bartenders and is this year using a new set of competition rules and regulations, allowing for more creativity with the drinks and from the bartenders themselves, a complete performance.

Each competitor will have ten minutes to prepare three unique drinks, which all use Havana Club as a base. During preparation, contestants will need to explain their recipes and will be judged on their cocktails’ appearance, aroma, taste, finish and balance plus their own personal skills, knowledge, innovation, communication and overall image.

Claire and Tim will be joined in Havana by renowned New Zealand Havana Club Mixologist Chris Harrop, who is a former New Zealand Bartender of the Year, and was the chair of the nationwide judging panel last year.

“The Havana Club International Cocktail Grand Prix is a legendary global event in the cocktail world and will be the perfect venue for Claire to showcase her skills, passion and talent for inventive cocktails. I have no doubt she’ll do New Zealand proud,” says Chris.

The eighth Havana Club International Cocktail Grand Prix finals taking place in Havana, Cuba, the home of Havana Club rum between the 11th and 15th of May 2010, unites some of the world's most prestigious bartenders and mixologists.

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Notes to the Editors –

• Havana Club has actively encouraged the invention of new cocktails and the serving of them with consummate style.
• In 1996 the first Havana Club International Cocktail Grand Prix was organised in Havana, attracting leading mixologists from around the world. Since then this prize has become one of the most anticipated of its kind among bartenders around the world.