Passport to Flavor Showcase Winner Announced: Steven Cartagena Takes First Place with “Enchanted Gold”

The results are officially in for the Passport to Flavor Showcase, and after a highly competitive field of creative cocktail submissions, we are proud to announce that Steven Cartagena has been selected as this year’s winner with his stunning cocktail creation, Enchanted Gold.

We would also like to extend our sincere apologies for the delay in announcing the final results. During the voting process, we encountered a technical issue involving the vote counting system that required a complete manual review to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the final standings. After carefully sorting through the results, Steven Cartagena emerged as the official winner.

First Place: “Enchanted Gold” by Steven Cartagena

 
 

Inspired by his Colombian heritage and Miami upbringing, Steven created a cocktail designed to represent culture, identity, and pride through flavor and presentation.

According to Steven:

“I’m originally from Miami but my background is from Colombia. I really wanted to bring a Colombian Hispanic taste to represent my roots. The mint represents the Amazon rainforest and the vegetation of green, while the gold flakes represent the gold and the yellow in our flag and what it means to us.”

The result is a visually striking and flavor driven cocktail that balances tropical fruit, citrus, rum, and rich berry notes with elegance and creativity.

The Winning Recipe: Enchanted Gold

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz Ron Zacapa

  • 0.75 oz lemon juice

  • 0.5 oz agave

  • 1 oz raspberry simple syrup

  • 0.5 oz cranberry juice

  • 0.5 oz pineapple juice

  • 0.5 oz Pama Liqueur

Method

Add ice to a shaker tin and measure all ingredients using a jigger. Begin with the raspberry simple syrup, followed by agave, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, PAMA Liqueur, and finally the Ron Zacapa rum. Shake vigorously for approximately 8 to 10 seconds.

Fill a tall Collins glass with shaved ice and strain the cocktail over the ice. Garnish with mint sprigs arranged as “mint trees,” two frozen raspberries, and a finishing touch of gold flakes.

A Celebration of Creativity and Culture

This year’s Passport to Flavor Showcase highlighted the incredible creativity, storytelling, and craftsmanship that cocktails can represent. Each finalist brought a unique perspective and inspiration to their drink, showcasing how mixology continues to evolve as both an art form and a cultural expression.

Congratulations again to Steven Cartagena on an outstanding and well deserved victory. We also want to thank every participant who submitted a cocktail and everyone who participated in the voting process.

Stay tuned for future showcases, competitions, and events from Empire Mixology.

Final Standings

First Place

  • Steven Cartagena — Enchanted Gold

Second Place

  • Soren Lindgaard — Nordic Orchard

Third Place

  • Anthony Sgroi — Rabo de Galo

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The Seasons of the Shaker Challenge

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Capturing the Rhythm of the Year Through Mixology

The Seasons of the Shaker Challenge honors the artistry of crafting cocktails that reflect the changing rhythm of the year. This showcase invites mixologists to design drinks inspired by seasonal ingredients colors and moods while creating harmony between nature flavor and technique.

Seasons of the Shaker celebrates adaptability freshness and creativity grounded in an understanding of how time and environment shape the craft.

 
 

A Tribute to Seasonality in Mixology

Seasonality has long guided culinary traditions and mixology is no exception. The Seasons of the Shaker Challenge recognizes the importance of working in tune with nature by encouraging cocktails that reflect what is fresh vibrant and emotionally resonant in each season.

Participants are invited to explore

  • Seasonal ingredients at their peak

  • Color palettes that mirror the natural world

  • Textures and structures that match seasonal moods

  • Emotional and sensory shifts throughout the year

This showcase is about listening to the season and translating its character into the glass.

Designing Cocktails With Seasonal Intent

Submissions should clearly express a seasonal identity through thoughtful design rather than surface level cues. Each cocktail should feel purposeful grounded and balanced with every element supporting the overall concept.

Strong entries demonstrate

  • Ingredient choices aligned with seasonal availability

  • Balance that enhances freshness and clarity

  • Visual presentation that reflects the season

  • A cohesive connection between flavor structure and mood

The goal is not complexity for its own sake but harmony between time place and taste.

Challenge Timeline

  • Submission Period
    May 1 to June 15

  • Voting Period
    June 16 to June 30

  • Winner Announced
    July 5

This timeline allows participants to work deeply within a defined seasonal window while giving the community time to engage with each submission.

Building Depth in Spirit-Forward Cocktails

Spirit-forward cocktails represent the purest expression of mixology craft. Without the masking effect of citrus or heavy modifiers, every ingredient is exposed, every imbalance amplified, and every nuance magnified. Drinks such as the Old Fashioned, Negroni, and Manhattan are not merely recipes. They are frameworks for depth, structure, and refinement.

To build true depth in these cocktails is to move beyond simple ratios and into a layered understanding of flavor architecture, texture, aroma, and balance.

The Foundation: Understanding Structural Balance

At the core of every spirit-forward cocktail lies a structural triangle composed of:

  • Base Spirit: The dominant character and backbone

  • Modifier(s): Fortified wines, liqueurs, or secondary spirits that shape complexity

  • Seasoning Elements: Bitters, sugar, or aromatics that refine and elevate

Depth is achieved when these components do not simply coexist but interact dynamically. A well-constructed cocktail evolves from the first sip to the last, revealing layers rather than presenting a single flat profile.

For example, a Manhattan built with a high-rye whiskey introduces spice, which can be softened with a richer sweet vermouth and accentuated with aromatic bitters. The result is not just balance, but progression.

Layering Flavor: Beyond the Obvious

Depth is often misunderstood as intensity. In reality, it is about layering complementary and contrasting notes.

Techniques for Flavor Layering:

1. Split Bases
Combining two base spirits, such as rye whiskey and cognac, introduces complexity without overwhelming the palate. Each spirit contributes distinct characteristics, creating a broader flavor spectrum.

2. Dual Modifiers
Using multiple modifiers, such as blending two vermouths or incorporating a subtle liqueur, builds mid-palate richness and lengthens the finish.

3. Micro-Seasoning
Small additions such as a bar spoon of maraschino liqueur or a rinse of absinthe can dramatically alter perception without dominating the drink.

4. Bitters as Architecture
Bitters are not just seasoning. They are structural tools. Combining aromatic, orange, and specialty bitters creates layers of spice, citrus, and herbal complexity.

Texture and Mouthfeel: The Invisible Dimension

Depth is not only tasted. It is felt.

Mouthfeel plays a critical role in how a cocktail is perceived. A silky, weighty texture can make a drink feel more luxurious and integrated, while a thinner texture can make it feel sharp or disjointed.

Enhancing Texture:

  • Dilution Control: Precise stirring ensures proper integration without over-thinning

  • Viscosity Builders: Ingredients like gomme syrup or richer vermouths add body

  • Temperature Management: Proper chilling enhances cohesion and suppresses harsh edges

A perfectly stirred cocktail should glide across the palate, not strike it.

Aromatics: The First Layer of Depth

Before the first sip, aroma sets the stage. In spirit-forward cocktails, aromatics are often the most underutilized tool for building depth.

Aromatic Strategies:

  • Citrus Expression: Expressed oils provide brightness and lift

  • Herbal Garnishes: Rosemary, thyme, or mint introduce fresh aromatic contrast

  • Smoke and Rinses: Subtle smoke or an absinthe rinse adds intrigue and complexity

  • Glass Preparation: Even a simple rinse can create a layered aromatic entry point

Aromatic design should complement the cocktail’s internal structure, not distract from it.

Bitterness, Sweetness, and Contrast

True depth requires contrast. A cocktail that leans too heavily in one direction becomes predictable.

  • Bitterness adds structure and length

  • Sweetness provides roundness and accessibility

  • Alcohol Heat delivers intensity and presence

Balancing these elements creates tension, and tension creates interest.

The Negroni is a masterclass in this principle. Its equal-parts structure works not because of simplicity, but because of the interplay between bitter, sweet, and botanical intensity.

Evolution in the Glass

A great spirit-forward cocktail is not static. It evolves.

As dilution increases and temperature shifts, new flavors emerge. The initial sip may highlight the base spirit, while later sips reveal deeper herbal, bitter, or oxidative notes.

Designing for evolution means considering how a cocktail will taste not just when served, but throughout its lifespan in the glass.

Precision as the Path to Depth

Ultimately, depth is not accidental. It is engineered.

Every decision, from spirit selection to stirring time, contributes to the final experience. Advanced mixology is about intentionality, where even the smallest adjustment can transform a drink from good to exceptional.

Spirit-forward cocktails demand respect, precision, and creativity. When executed at a high level, they become more than drinks. They become experiences layered with nuance, character, and lasting impression.

Marcelino Baptista Wins the Mixologist’s Mark Showcase with the “C24” Cocktail

The results are in, and Marcelino Baptista of Lisbon, Portugal has been named the winner of the Mixologist’s Mark Showcase with his standout cocktail, “C24.” Baptista, who is affiliated with Pensão Amor in Lisbon, earned 35% of the total vote, securing first place in the international competition.

The showcase brought together creative entries from talented mixologists, but Baptista’s cocktail stood out for its striking presentation, thoughtful concept, and refined technique.

 
 

The Winning Cocktail: C24

Baptista’s C24 is built around contrast, combining a crystal-clear cocktail with a vibrant foam topping. The drink begins with a clarified base of cachaça, passionfruit cordial, and fresh lime juice, clarified using fresh coconut cream to create a bright, silky, and transparent foundation.

The cocktail is finished with a purple sweet potato foam, prepared in an iSi siphon with vanilla syrup and stabilizers. The foam provides natural sweetness and texture while creating a bold visual contrast against the clear cocktail beneath it.

Served in a chilled coupe and intentionally presented without garnish, the layered colors and textures become the centerpiece of the drink’s presentation.

A Cocktail with Meaning

Beyond its technical elements, C24 was designed around the idea of duality. The bright, citric clarity of the cocktail represents life’s challenges, while the soft purple foam symbolizes warmth and resilience rising above them.

Baptista drew inspiration from a fellow student during a mixology course who embodied that balance of strength and kindness, shaping the concept behind the drink.

 
 

A Well-Deserved Victory

With its combination of technique, visual impact, and storytelling, C24 captured the imagination of voters and earned Marcelino Baptista the title of Mixologist’s Mark Showcase Champion.

Congratulations to Marcelino Baptista on his winning creation, and to Anthony Sgroi, whose Black Diamond Cocktail secured a strong second-place finish with 15% of the vote.

 

The Passport to Flavor Showcase

Exploring the World Through the Language of Mixology

The Passport to Flavor Showcase celebrates global creativity expressed through the craft of mixology. This showcase invites participants to translate regional cultures and traditions from around the world into thoughtfully designed cocktails that tell a story through flavor technique and ingredient choice.

At its core Passport to Flavor honors cultural appreciation innovation and the ability to transform travel heritage and inspiration into unforgettable taste experiences.

 
 

A Celebration of Global Influence

Mixology has always been shaped by movement history and exchange. The Passport to Flavor Showcase recognizes this reality by encouraging cocktails inspired by places people and traditions that leave a lasting impression.

Participants are invited to explore

  • Regional flavor profiles and traditional ingredients

  • Cultural techniques and historical influences

  • Personal travel experiences or ancestral heritage

  • Authentic storytelling expressed through balance and structure

This showcase is not about imitation. It is about interpretation guided by respect curiosity and understanding.

Honoring Appreciation and Innovation

Passport to Flavor celebrates the intersection of appreciation and innovation. Participants are encouraged to push creative boundaries while maintaining respect for the cultures and traditions that inspire their work.

This showcase highlights mixologists who

  • Use global inspiration responsibly and thoughtfully

  • Blend tradition with modern technique

  • Demonstrate curiosity and cultural awareness

  • Elevate storytelling through disciplined execution

It is a recognition of mixology as a universal language capable of connecting people through taste.

Showcase Timeline

  • Submission Period
    March 1 to April 15

  • Voting Period
    April 16 to April 30

  • Winner Announced
    May 5

This timeline allows participants to fully develop concepts that reflect both research and personal creativity while giving the community time to engage with each submission.

Voting Is Now Open for the Mixologist’s Mark Showcase

The moment has arrived.

After weeks of preparation, creativity, precision, and bold innovation behind the bar, the Mixologist’s Mark Showcase officially enters its most exciting phase: public voting is now open.

This is where technique meets recognition. Where presentation meets philosophy. Where your voice helps define what excellence in modern mixology truly looks like.

What Is the Mixologist’s Mark Showcase?

The Mixologist’s Mark Showcase was created to celebrate the artistry, technical mastery, and creative identity of today’s mixologists. It is not simply about crafting a delicious cocktail. It is about telling a story through balance, structure, aroma, texture, and presentation.

Each entry represents:

• A distinct creative philosophy
• Intentional ingredient selection
• Advanced technique and execution
• A signature expression of the maker’s style

The Future Is Being Poured

The Mixologist’s Mark Showcase is about legacy in the making. It honors those who do not merely follow trends, but who shape them. Those who understand that every element in a glass carries intention.

Voting is now live for a limited time. Make your mark. Support innovation. Celebrate craft.

VOTE NOW

Empire Mixology & UMix Announce New Affiliate Program

Earn Commission by Sharing Industry-Leading Mixology Education

Empire Mixology and UMixology are proud to announce the launch of the Empire Mixology / UMix Affiliate Program, a new opportunity for educators, creators, and industry professionals to earn commissions by promoting high-quality mixology education.

The program is designed for individuals who already believe in structured learning, professional standards, and the long-term value of education within the hospitality and beverage industries.

 
 

What Is the Empire Mixology / UMix Affiliate Program?

The affiliate program allows approved partners to earn a 15% commission on qualifying referrals by promoting Empire Mixology and UMix certification programs.

Affiliates can share courses, certifications, and educational resources with their audience while earning recurring revenue from successful enrollments.

This program is built for:

  • Industry educators and trainers

  • Hospitality professionals and bartenders

  • Content creators in food, beverage, and hospitality

  • Bloggers, influencers, and community leaders

  • Professionals passionate about raising standards in mixology

Commission Structure

  • Commission rate: 15%

  • Payout model: Commission-based on completed enrollments

  • No cap on earnings: Scale based on reach and engagement

Affiliates are rewarded for quality referrals, not volume alone, aligning incentives with long-term value and educational integrity.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Empire Mixology / UMix Affiliate Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Have an active account on UMixology.com

  • Complete the affiliate application via EmpireMixology.com

  • Align with the values of professional education and responsible promotion

Having an existing audience, platform, or community is strongly encouraged, but the program prioritizes credibility and alignment over follower count alone.

Why Partner With Empire Mixology and UMix?

Empire Mixology and UMix are built on the belief that education should elevate the craft, not dilute it. Affiliates benefit from promoting:

  • Structured, professional certification programs

  • Industry-respected educational content

  • A growing global learning community

  • A brand focused on long-term credibility, not trends

This program is ideal for those who want to monetize their platform while maintaining authenticity and trust with their audience.

Announcing the Empire Mixology Annual Awards & Showcases

Showcases, Contests, and the Pursuit of Excellence in Modern Mixology

Empire Mixology is proud to announce the launch of the Empire Mixology Annual Awards, a year-long celebration of creativity, discipline, and professional excellence across the global mixology community.

Designed to recognize both emerging and established talent, the Annual Awards bring together open nominations, themed showcases, and skill-based contests that reflect the evolving standards of modern mixology.

A Year-Round Awards Program Built on Merit

The Empire Mixology Annual Awards are designed to operate in contrast to traditional, closed-door recognition programs. Nominations remain open throughout most of the year, providing professionals the flexibility to submit work when it best reflects their standards, development, and creative intent.

Each annual nomination cycle concludes on October 1st, ensuring ample time for thoughtful submission rather than rushed entries.

By remaining open nearly year-round, the program recognizes excellence as an ongoing practice, not a single moment. This approach allows the awards to reflect sustained quality, intentional execution, and meaningful contributions to the craft of mixology.

 
 

What Are the Empire Mixology Showcases?

At the heart of the Annual Awards are a rotating series of Showcases and Contests, each focused on a specific theme, technique, or creative philosophy.

Showcases are designed to:

  • Encourage intentional cocktail design

  • Highlight technical understanding, not trends alone

  • Create a professional platform for creativity grounded in theory

  • Give participants a clear, focused brief rather than vague criteria

Each showcase runs independently while feeding into the broader Annual Awards ecosystem.

Current Showcase: The Mixologist’s Mark

The current active showcase, The Mixologist’s Mark, challenges participants to answer a fundamental question:

What makes your work unmistakably yours? This showcase is not about imitation or nostalgia. It is about:

  • Defining personal style

  • Demonstrating technical restraint and intention

  • Expressing identity through structure, balance, and concept

  • Creating a cocktail that carries a recognizable signature

Participants are encouraged to submit cocktails that reflect clarity of vision, technical discipline, and authentic creative voice.

The Mixologist’s Mark is open now and serves as a cornerstone showcase within this year’s awards cycle.

 
 

Key Dates at a Glance

  • Annual nominations: Open until October 1.

  • Current showcase: The Mixologist’s Mark

  • Additional showcases: Announced throughout the year

Looking Ahead

The Empire Mixology Annual Awards represent more than recognition. They are a statement about where the craft is headed and what it values.

As new showcases are introduced and submissions grow, this program will continue to evolve alongside the professionals it serves.

Nominations are open.
The showcase is live.
And the mark you leave is entirely your own.

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