On Monday, January 12th, 5 competitors shook things up to compete for the opportunity to represent the US in Venezuela for the Diplomático Rum World Tournament, which will be held in April.

The judging panel included spirits experts Dale DeGroff, aka King Cocktail, Leo Robitschek, beverage director at the NoMad Hotel, and Nick Nistico, the US representative in the 2013 World Tournament. The cocktail was judged across several categories including Presentation, Taste, Originality and Technique.

The US finalists were Roberto Rosa of Eastside Cantina (New York City, NY), Alex Renshaw of Drumbar (Chicago, IL), Ryan Gannon of Cure (New Orleans, LA), Nick Meyer of Brilliantshine (Santa Monica, CA), Sam Treadway of Backbar (Boston, MA), and ‘wild card’ Megan Bardoe of Oak Tavern (Miami, FL).

Nick Meyer’s ‘Chimpin Ain’t Easy’ won him the opportunity to compete against 28 countries at the World Finals in Venezuala, the birthplace of Diplomático Rum. There, he'll compete for the title of Diplomático World Ambassador. Megan Bardoe’s ‘Amor y Amargo’ was awarded ‘People’s Choice’ and she was granted a surprise trip to Venezuela.

Check out the winning recipes below and stay tuned for the 2015 winner as we cover the World Tournament in April!

CHIMPIN' AINT EASY
Created by Nick Meyer, Brilliantshine – Santa Monica, CA
.75 oz Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
.75 oz fresh lime juice
.75 oz Housemade Macadamia Piloncillo Syrup
.75 oz Dolin Dry Vermouth
.5 oz Diplomático Anejo
1.5 oz Housemade Banana Phosphate
Method: Serve on crushed ice with a metal straw
Garnishes: Edible marigolds candied with banana dust; Kona coffee grounds mixed with bitter chocolate shavings dusted on top; Banana chips

AMOR Y AMARGO
Created by Megan Bardoe, Oak Tavern - Miami, FL
2 oz. Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva
5 oz. Apricot Escape Tea Syrup
1 barspoon St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram
1 orange peel
Method: In a mixing glass, add 2 oz. Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva, .5 oz. Apricot Dream Tea Syrup and 1 barspoon St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram. Then, add ice and stir for approximately thirty seconds. Single-strain over a large ice cube/sphere in a chilled Old Fashioned glass.
Garnish: 1 orange peel.

(Photos from left: Amor y Amargo cocktail; Judging Panel; Nick Meyer and his 'Chimpin' Aint Easy)