Canadian Bartender Jared Schmidt Crowned World Champion for Sustainable Cocktails 2025

Jared Schmidt: A Toast to Sustainability

In an inspiring culmination of creativity and environmental responsibility, Jared Schmidt, a talented bartender from Osetra Bar in Canada, recently earned the prestigious title of "World Champion for Sustainable Cocktails 2025". This accolade was awarded during the grand finale of the renowned Sustainable Cocktail Challenge held in the breathtaking volcanic setting of Granada, Nicaragua, on March 7, 2026.

This year's edition marked the 135th anniversary of the Flor de Caña brand and focused on reinterpreting classic cocktails through a modern, sustainable lens. Fifteen highly-skilled mixologists from over 25 countries participated in this global event, showcasing their commitment to creating a more sustainable future within the cocktail industry.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Mombacho volcano, the finalists exhibited remarkable creativity and skill, crafting exceptional cocktails that combined brilliant flavors with eco-friendly practices. Flor de Caña, a brand certified Carbon Neutral and distilled using 100% renewable energy, has planted over a million trees and continues to lead sustainability initiatives within the bartending community.

After two rigorous rounds of competition, which included an innovative challenge dubbed the "sustainable market," Schmidt secured his victory by impressing the judges with his skill and fervor. His winning creation, "Por mundo limpio," is a sustainable reinterpretation of an old-fashioned cocktail, incorporating Flor de Caña 12-Year rum, caramelized mushrooms, organic cane sugar, and nori—resulting in a bold flavor profile that leaves minimal environmental impact.

As the champion, Schmidt is awarded not just the title, but also a cash prize of $10,000, a coveted winner’s trophy, and an assessment of his establishment’s sustainability practices in partnership with the Sustainable Restaurant Association. "This has been one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life. I am incredibly grateful to Flor de Caña, the judges, and my fellow competitors. It was genuinely special to engage with such an inspiring global community of bartenders while experiencing the beauty of Nicaragua," Jared expressed.

The runner-up position was claimed by Phát Tran Guia from Firkin Bar in Vietnam, while Dawid Stoch from Art Katowice Bar in Poland took third place, showcasing an exceptional display of global bartending talent.

The esteemed panel of judges included prominent figures such as Danil Nevsky, ranked second in the Bar World 100 and a top international mentor from the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, alongside Kendall Hauer, a luxury dining and beverage expert based in Miami, Luis Inchaurraga an Argentine mixologist with over 25 years of experience, and Gary Gruver, global beverage operations director at Marriott International.

About Flor de Caña

Flor de Caña is a premium rum brand, committed to sustainable production from "field to bottle." Established in 1890, it is distilled using 100% renewable energy and naturally aged at the base of an active volcano, free from sugar and artificial ingredients. Renowned for its leadership in sustainability, the brand has received accolades including "World's Most Sustainable Rum Brand" in the USA, "Ethical Award" in the UK, and "Sustainable Spirits Producer" in France. For more information, visit Flor de Caña.