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.
