HCCM FRANCE FINALISTS
12.06.2025
FRANCE Finalists
The spirit of Havana Club lit up Paris on May 19th, as the French finals of the Havana Club Cocktail Maestros brought together nine of the country’s most creative bartender duos for an unforgettable day of competition, conviviality, and Cuban flair.
The scene was set : bold ideas, loud shakers, and high energy. The teams gave it their all, each duo presenting their signature cocktail with a personal story and exceptional execution. The jury, composed of Martial Reynaud (Havana Club Brand Director), Alfredo Guerrera (Havana Club Global Brand Ambassador), Adrien Bonetto (journalist at Rhumporter), and Julien Escot, world champion of the 2012 Havana Club Grand Prix, had the tough task of selecting the winning team among a lineup of remarkable talent.
Following a day of rigorous judging and standout performances, Leandro José Alves de Sousa and Sara Leonor Sá de Sousa emerged victorious, winning over the jury with their bold and balanced creation: a twist on the Fish House Punch using pink guava and Timut pepper, built around the elegant complexity of Havana Club Añejo 3 Años. Their playfulness and creativity shone through, a cocktail that surprised even them, earning the joyful verdict “¡Dame dos!” from Sara herself.
Close behind, Maureen Cadet and Stessy Dogliani from Château de la Gaude took second place with their cocktail Géraldies, followed by Tom Cotelo and Adam Collet from Bovem and Mama Shelter Bordeaux, who claimed third with their creation Azúcar.
The competition was only the beginning. The celebration continued with a Latin-inspired apéritif at Drinks & Co, where signature cocktails met vibrant culinary creations. The evening wrapped up in style with a lively after-party at Lipstick, bringing together bartenders, guests, and friends to toast the Cuban spirit late into the night.
The road now leads to the European regional finals, and perhaps all the way to Havana. One thing is certain: the French bar scene is bursting with talent, and this edition of HCCM proved it with style. ¡Salud!
Celebration contrast and chemistry
– 30 ml Havana Club 3 Años
– 5 ml Martell VS
– 40 ml Clarified guava juice
– 27 ml Timut pepper hydrolate
– 12,5 ml Guava liqueur
– 4 ml Sugar syrup
– 0.18 ml Saline solution (80g water + 20g salt)
