Jay Cozma of award-winning Sydney bar Old Love’s has been crowned Oceania Champion of the Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge (AGCC), and also becomes the Oceania Angostura Brand Ambassador.
Jay’s two cocktails, which progressed him to the final six, were Las’ Lap, a twist on the unofficial national cocktail of Trinidad & Tobago; and The Queen’s Park Swizzle, which was described as a “rich, vibrant and spice-forward take on the classic Queens Park Swizzle”.
Cozma passed out tiny envelopes to the crowd to open as he garnished his serve for the judges, which saw live butterflies burst from the envelopes, fluttering around the room and even landing on the cocktails themselves.
The second part of the final was of a mystery box challenge, was a twist on the Ramos Gin Fizz featuring Kakadu Plum.
Competitors were each given 60 minutes before the competition event started to create a cocktail featuring rums from the Angostura portfolio, and an Australian native ingredient that was chosen for them at random.
“This competition was always one I was inspired by in my career as a bartender,” said Cozma. “I’ve actually had the luck of working alongside a couple of the previous AGCC champions in the past. They are people I’ve learnt a great deal from over the years.
“The energy around the competition for all these years has always been inspiring, so to be a part of it and get to represent Oceania in Trinidad is just an incredible opportunity.”
Head AGCC Judge, Loy Catada, Spirit Specialist at Proximo Spirits, said watching the six Oceania finalists go head-to-head under such high pressure was truly inspiring.
“Their enthusiasm for creating their personal interpretations of a Caribbean classic and harnessing the rich, vibrant spirit of the Caribbean shone brightly, making it an incredibly tough decision for us judges.
“We were floored by their creativity, skill, and passion, which made this competition truly special.”
Second place went to Andrea Marseglia from Theresa Cocktail Bar in Napier, NZ, with Campbell Nicol, from Rude Boy in Hobart, taking out third. The other three finalists competing were Dewi Barbieri (NZ), Jeremy Nivern (NZ), and Leo Reymond (AUS).
Cozma takes home AU$5000 and is the new Oceania Angostura Brand Ambassador, he will also travel to the global final of the Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge 2024/25, held in Trinidad & Tobago in May.
There he will compete to win the title of Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge Champion, US$10,000 and a two-year contract as Angostura’s Global Brand Ambassador, representing Angostura’s iconic bitters and award-winning rum and amaro portfolio.
Story by Andy Young, originally published at www.barsandclubs.com.au.
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