Marriott Crowns “Rising Stars” Of Mixology In Semi-Final Of 2026 Apec Sustainable Bartender Championship
Two regional winners for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar (TCLM) wow judges at an event at W Bangkok’s W Lounge – and will now progress to the APEC grand final
Marriott International has crowned the “Rising Stars” of mixology in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar (TCLM), following the regional semi-final of its 2026 APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship, which was staged at W Bangkok’s stylish W Lounge on June 25, 2026.
Hosted in collaboration with Pernod Ricard’s leading beverage brands, this vibrant event saw six talented bartenders – representing Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, The St. Regis Bangkok, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Patong Beach Resort, and Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach – go head-to-head to impress a panel of judges with their cocktail-making skills.
These creative mixologists were judged not only on their ability and innovation, but also on their commitment to sustainability. Each cocktail blended Pernod Ricard’s premium labels, including Monkey 47, Martell, Chivas Regal, Codigo 1530, Altos, Ki No Bi and Absolut Elyx, with the “Future Larder” – a selection of fresh, local ingredients that reflect the essence of their destination, while also helping to eliminate food waste – one of Marriott’s core ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.
Following a series of bartending challenges, including the iconic “Black Box Final”, the judges selected their two winners: Phichitchai “Mike” Saencharusuchit, Bar Supervisor from The St. Regis Bar, The St. Regis Bangkok and Tanatat “Sam” Boon-Anuwat, Senior Bartender from Caleō, The Ritz Carlton Bangkok.
Mike has impressed judges with The G.O.A.T (Grounded. Origin. Artisanal. Thai.), a cocktail proving luxury and sustainability coexist. The drink features Código 1530 Tequila Blanco fat-washed with surplus goat cheese, blended with local fig leaves, house-made fig mustard, and a spiced jalapeño liqueur crafted from repurposed fruit basket scraps. Finished with an edible garnish, this cocktail masterfully turns kitchen waste into a premium experience.
Sam wowed the judges with the Magenta Sour, an innovative take on the classic tequila sour created for the “From Waste to Wonder” theme. Inspired by the vibrant yet subtle flavors of dragon fruit, the cocktail pairs Olmeca Altos Plata tequila with Thai coconut vinegar to deliver a bright, tropical freshness. Embracing a strict zero-waste philosophy, the recipe utilizes every part of the dragon fruit—including the juice, pulp, and a repurposed edible peel garnish.
These two “Rising Stars” will now move forward to represent Marriott’s TCLM region in the grand final of the 2026 APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship, which will be staged in September in Singapore.
The grand final champions will win an all-expenses-paid trip to a vacation destination within the Marriott’s APEC portfolio, plus an exclusive experience in one of Pernod Ricard’s Brand Homes, and a guest bartending tour of some of the region’s top bars.
“Congratulations to our Rising Stars, who demonstrated incredible skills, passion and composure under pressure. This annual contest is wonderfully inspiring, as it highlights the talent on show in our restaurants and bars. Our F&B teams constantly strive to surprise and delight our guests with fine flavors and local produce, in line with our sustainability commitment,” says Brad Edman, Market Vice President for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar.
“The APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship is a great way to showcase the amazing skill and creativity of our bar teams, while also championing local sourcing and eliminating food waste in a fun and interactive way. By embracing fresh indigenous ingredients, we can give our guests a true taste of their destination. I would like to thank every competitor for making this event such a tremendous success,” adds Vincent Van Mechelen, Senior Director of Operations for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar.
For more information about Serve360, Marriott’s sustainability and social impact platform, please visit serve360.marriott.com.
