HCCM ROMANIA FINALISTS
30.06.2025
ROMANIA Finalists
On a night pulsing with energy, emotion, and the unmistakable spirit of Havana Club, Romania hosted one of the most memorable editions of the Havana Club Cocktail Maestros competition to date.
The grand final brought together the best of the country’s bartending talent in an atmosphere buzzing with excitement, creativity, and community. What began as a celebration of craft soon transformed into something much deeper: a celebration of connection.
Two weeks before the final showdown, the competing teams took part in an intensive two-day bootcamp, a key ingredient in the Romanian edition’s recipe for success. More than just technical training, the bootcamp emphasized collaboration through expert-led mentoring sessions, creative challenges, and team-building activities. That spirit of unity and mutual support carried over to the final stage, becoming the true backbone of the event.
As guests enjoyed an open bar with expertly crafted cocktails made from Havana Club rum, the air was filled with cheers, laughter, and a palpable sense of anticipation. And then, an unforgettable twist. In the middle of the competition, one of the contestants surprised everyone with a heartfelt marriage proposal, turning a night of flavor and flair into a moment of pure emotion. The crowd erupted. The competition paused. Love took center stage.
In the end, it was Andrei Bertalan and Octavia Ripeanu who rose to the top, delivering a performance as technically impressive as it was emotionally resonant. Their chemistry behind the bar mirrored their synergy in life, and their cocktail, Orígenes, told a story as rich and layered as the rum it honored.
Crafted as a tribute to the roots of Havana Club 7 Años, Orígenes draws inspiration from the vibrant spirit of Havana’s markets. Combining caramelized banana and honey syrup with cocoa & tonka bean vermouth, the cocktail enhances the depth of the rum while preserving its soul. Velvety, elegant, and full of character, it invites every sip to be a journey, a return to origin.
To Andrei & Octavia: your journey continues on the European stage. But no matter what comes next, Romania will remember your night, not just for the drinks, but for the heart.
Cheers to the Cuban spirit, and to all the unforgettable moments mixed, shaken, and stirred in Bucharest.
– 50 ml Havana Club 7Años
– 20 ml Caramelized Banana Honey Syrup
– 20 ml Cocoa & Tonka Bean Vermouth
– 10 ml Fresh Lime Juice
– 5 ml Sugar Syrup
– 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
