Carnival Cruise Line bartender Sanja Cvijetic won the 2019 BACARDI Legacy Cruise Competition in San Juan, Puerto Rico, competing against more than 2,000 entries from major cruise lines’ top bartenders worldwide. This marks the fourth time in the past eight years that a Carnival mixologist has earned the coveted award.
The BACARDÍ® Legacy Cruise Competition is an annual global search to find the best bartender in the cruise industry with a cocktail that can stand among Bacardí’s heritage classics. This was Cvijetic’s first bartender competition.
Cvijetic, a 31-year-old from Bosnia who is currently aboard Carnival Conquest, took home the gold for her custom-created libation, “Purple Sunset,” a signature cocktail mix of Bacardí Superior, Monin® Lavender Syrup, lemonade, fresh lime juice, MARTINI Prosecco® and fresh rosemary.
In addition to a $4,000 cash award and an etched trophy, Cvijetic’s victory earned her a spot in Bacardí’s global finals this May in Amsterdam where she’ll compete against 38 domestic market winners for the ultimate title.
“Winning the BACARDI Legacy Cruise Bartender of the Year 2019 is beyond everything I ever dreamed,” said Cvijetic. “Working for Carnival has opened my eyes to a world of possibilities, and I am so grateful for the unique opportunity to compete against such talented professionals.”
“Sanja is a fantastic role model for our team of bartenders across the fleet and shows a great level of professionalism and talent,” added Edward Allen, vice president of beverage operations for Carnival Cruise Line. “Joining us in January 2018 on Carnival Pride, she has made a positive impression on our guests who enjoy her warm hospitality and amazing bartending skills. We are very proud of her and look forward to supporting her at the global finals.”
Purple Sunset
Ingredients:
- 60ml BACARDÍ Superior
- 22ml Monin® Lavender Syrup
- 15ml lemonade
- 15ml fresh lime juice
- Splash of MARTINI Prosecco®
- Fresh rosemary bunch
Preparation Method:
- Gently muddle fresh rosemary bunch
- Place all ingredients (except MARTINI Prosecco) into shaker
- Add ice, and shake 10 seconds
- Double strain into a chilled glass
- Add a few more drops of lavender syrup and a splash of MARTINI Prosecco
- Garnish with fresh rosemary
Matt Hochberg
Matt loves to cruise, and started Cruise.Blog as a place to share different cruise experiences, advice, and what to know before going on a cruise.
He lives in Florida with his wife and two daughters, where he can be found on any given day trying to convince his wife they "need" to book another cruise.
