Representing Tropical Bottling
Nelson Molina Wins the 6th Bartenders’ Brawl
On Saturday, October 12, Nelson Molina was chosen as the top bartender during the Autentico Aruba Culinary Festival. The 6th edition of island lifestyle blog When in Aruba’s Bartenders’ Brawl was a Main Stage event and a co-production with the Aruba Tourism Authority. The event brought eight of Aruba’s best bartenders to the stage to showcase their mixology magic to a panel of judges that included celebrity bartender Kate Gerwin, a master mixologist, sommelier, and television personality.
Nelson, a bartender at Renaissance Aruba’s Blue Bar, represented Tropical Bottling using Grey Goose Essences White Peach & Rosemary and Santa Teresa Rum as the foundation to his cocktail he calls “Nos Cultura,” meaning our culture.
“I had it in my head to do a cocktail inspired by Aruba for some time,” says Nelson, who wanted to create his own tribute to his island through mixology. He created a fresh juice from quenepa (kenepa in Papiamento), a local fruit that tastes a bit like a cross between a lime and lychee, and a nice complement to the Grey Goose Essences and Santa Teresa Rum. Adding some depth to his cocktail, Nelson strayed from the typical wood-smoked cocktail by smoking a mix of dried fruits instead. He also added just a touch of local yerba di hole (local wild basil) for a pleasing aromatic experience.
Nelson’s garnishing touches were the chef’s kiss. Edible gold flakes were sprayed on the finished cocktail, a nod to Aruba’s gold-smelting history, and served on the side were a slice of pan bati and funchi, traditional Aruban side dishes. “My family gatherings are all about local food, and there’s always pan bati and funchi served with our fish and stews,” he shares.
At the end of the evening, Nelson wowed the judges who scored him the highest based on skills and style while crafting the cocktail, creativity (either from a local ingredient or storytelling behind the cocktail), presentation/look of cocktail, and taste and balance.
Congratulations to Nelson Molina and Tropical Bottling! Be sure to visit Nelson in person at Blue Bar.
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