HCCM CANADA FINALISTS
13.06.2025
CANADA Finalists
The spirit of Havana Club made history in Montreal on May 18th, as Le Mal Nécessaire transformed into the vibrant stage for Canada’s very first Havana Club Cocktail Maestros national final. Held on the opening night of the Montreal Cocktail Festival, the event drew bartenders, industry insiders, and cocktail lovers from across the country to celebrate the Cuban spirit in true Havana Club style.
The vibe? Bold, laid-back, and full of energy. Latin beats, frozen Daiquiris, and passionate storytelling filled the venue, kicking off the festival weekend with flair. The room buzzed with creativity and cultural pride, as teams from cities like Toronto and even Vancouver, over 2,800 miles away, came together to represent their regions and show what Canadian bartending is all about.
In the lead-up to the big day, the ten finalist teams joined a virtual prep session hosted by Aine Fanning, Canadian Brand Ambassador, and Alfredo Guerra, Global Brand Ambassador for Havana Club. They walked through judging criteria and competition expectations to make sure every team, no matter the distance travelled, felt confident and ready to shine.
The judges’ panel brought experience and authenticity. Dinah Kisil, an acclaimed bartender and rum expert, joined Jennifer D’alimonte, Havana Club Brand Manager in Canada. The highlight? Maestro Osmany Cardentey, a true guardian of Cuban rum heritage, who flew in from Havana to lend his expertise and remind everyone of the deep roots behind the brand.
In the end, it was Linh Phan and Samantha Fulmer, representing Civil Liberties and Belle Isle in Toronto, who claimed the title. Their cocktail, Latitude Shift, stood out for its cultural fusion, striking presentation, and vibrant energy on stage. Blending Vietnamese and Cuban influences, they served a drink inspired by the shared latitude of Havana and Hanoi, a true symbol of connection through flavor.
A huge shoutout to all the finalist teams, the Montreal crowd, and our incredible hosts and partners who helped make this first Canadian final one to remember. Linh and Samantha now head to Cuba to represent Canada on the global stage — and we can’t wait to see what they’ll bring to the world of mixology next.
Cheers to La Cubanía, and to Canadian bartending stepping boldly into the spotlight.
Bridging Cultures Through Latitude
– 60 ml Havana Club 7Años
– 90 ml Artichoke & Osmanthus Cold Tea
– 30 ml Sweet Potato & Cassava Syrup
