#Flor de Caña #Jez Carreon #Sustainable Cocktails #Nicaragua #Granada

The Rise of Jez Carreon: A Sustainable Cocktail Star

In a stunning showcase of creativity and skill, Jez Carreon, a bartender from Singapore, has been recognized as the World’s Most Sustainable Bartender by Flor de Caña at the recently concluded Sustainable Cocktail Challenge. This prestigious event, held in the lush volcanic backdrop of Granada, Nicaragua, featured participants from over 18 countries, demonstrating the global commitment to sustainability in the bar industry.

The competition on February 27, 2025, saw the best mixologists from varied regions such as Mexico, the United States, and Japan, vying for this elite title. Carreon stood out by impressing the judges with his innovative approach to crafting cocktails that not only tasted delightful but also adhered to sustainable practices. His winning cocktail, aptly named “Nicaragua is Calling,” was composed of local ingredients from Singapore including corn, coconut, and pineapple, blended masterfully with Flor de Caña's 12-Year Rum. He served this unique concoction in an environmentally friendly Jicara cup and paired it with a biodegradable coaster made from cocktail waste.

Jez expressed his overwhelming joy upon winning, stating, “I feel incredible. What once seemed like a distant dream is now my reality. This is truly a career-defining moment. I’ve made my loved ones proud, and now I can finally say I’m the best in the world at something.” His dedication to sustainability and cocktail artistry has certainly paid off.

Rounding out the finalists, Andrea Pagliarini from the Paradiso Bar in Spain took second place, while Simone Sacco from Piano35 Ristorante Bar in Italy secured third. The esteemed panel of judges, which included industry veterans such as Danil Nevsky, Patrick Pistolesi, Gina Barbachano, and Marcus Voglrieder, assessed the cocktails based on creativity, presentation, and sustainability efforts.

The Sustainable Cocktail Challenge emphasizes Flor de Caña’s commitment to sustainability. As the first climate-neutral and Fair Trade certified rum globally, the brand is dedicated to promoting eco-friendly practices. Their distillation process relies entirely on renewable energy, and the company actively captures all CO2 emissions generated during fermentation. Since 2005, they have planted over a million trees as part of their sustainability initiatives.

More than 30 countries actively participate in the Sustainable Cocktail Challenge, celebrating the convergence of sustainability and the cocktail culture. Each year, the event aids bartenders in sharing their innovative ideas and practices, with the aim of inspiring the global bartender community to elevate their sustainable practices in the industry.

In a world where sustainability is increasingly imperative, Jez Carreon’s triumph is more than just an accolade – it is a testament to what can be achieved when passion for craft and dedication to the environment intersect. As he continues his journey, one can only anticipate how his influence will spur further advancements in creating not just good cocktails, but also great sustainable practices worldwide.