Alaya Resort Ubud, in collaboration with the Asia Bartenders Association (ABA), proudly presented the mixology tournament in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. The Indonesia Road to Master World Bartending Championship was held on 4th February 2020 for the mixology category at Manisan Bali, Alaya Resort Ubud.

This exclusive event was ABA Indonesia’s first major bartending competition on the island of Bali on 2020. Usually held in lifestyle locations such as Kuta and Nusa Dua, this time around ABA Indonesia aimed to introduce the art of flair bartending to Ubud and encourage a new generation of bar staff to learn more about the art of mixology and cocktails. 

“This challenge was a chance for all bartenders in Ubud to take their skills to the next level. The competition was open to all local bartenders and they were able to participate by registering with ABA Indonesia. The winners of mixology will represent Indonesia at the Master World Bartending Championship in Chiang Rai, Thailand which will be held on 6-10 April 2020,” said Agung Yoga, President of ABA Indonesia.

Contestants got to showcase their talents in the mixology category by making two signature cocktails in the working mixology exhibition. Each contestant then got to perform for ten minutes by offering up two special drink. The drink was evaluated on presentation, taste, and product knowledge. As a sponsored event, all participants had to use Manta Rum bottle as a basic spirit in the mixology competition, Zirca, Savis Tea, Fabbri Syrup, and Squeeze Juice including explained the product.

During the event, 21 bartenders including two from Alaya Resort Ubud, showed their expertise in Mixology categories. Passionate bartenders battled it out for a generous IDR 25.000.000 cash prize, which will come in handy when participating in the Master World Bartending Championship in Chiang Rai, Thailand. 

The mixology judging panel for the competition was made up of professional bartenders, including Gus Bhawarta, Ari Naryana, Agung Udiana and Agung Darmawan. All of these judges are certified as legends in National and International Mixology Championships. They used the ABA Standard Scoring System 2020 to assess and score of each performance fairly. 

The champion title for the mixology category went to Sancaya Dwi Permana from Bikini Bar, the second winner went to Agus Giri Asta from The St Regis Bali, the third place went to Raviela Angela from Blanco Par Mandif & UFBC, and the fourth place went to Ari Wirawan from Alaya Resort Ubud. Both first and second winners received return tickets with accommodation to Chiang Rai, Thailand. They will represent Indonesia during the Master World Bartending Championship, which will be held on 6-10 April 2020.

Mrs. Dewi Mas, General Manager Alaya Hotels & Resorts, commented that this event was the first ABA event in 2020 and she grateful that Alaya Resort Ubud has been chosen as official venue. It was indeed a great honour for Alaya Resort Ubud to host the Indonesia Road to Master World Bartending Championship 2020. She went on to say that hopefully in the future, Ubud will become known as a destination where guests can experience creative cocktails made with expert precision. The Ubud hospitality industry is all for supporting local bartenders to attend international bartending challenges and make Indonesia proud.

This event was proudly supported by Alaya Resort Ubud, Manisan Bali, Orang Tua Group; Iceland Vodka, Prost Beer, Mix Max, Empire Gin, Zirca, Toffin, Fabbri, Squeeze Juice, Savis Tea, Partners; Himpunan Bartender Indonesia (HBI), Masterclass Bali, and The Bar times.