After besting some of the country’s top mixologists and being named Diageo Reserve World Class Philippines Bartender of The Year 2022, Claude Ansell Delima of The Spirits Library is now on his way to competing in the World Class Global Finals in Sydney, Australia this September.
One of the many challenges for the global competitors is creating a cocktail that embodies Ketel One Vodka’s “Garnished With Good” philosophy, serving not just world-class cocktails but also bringing positive impact on communities around the world, because Ketel One Vodka “believes that a great cocktail doesn’t only taste good, but should do good too”.
Now tasked to become an agent of change and represent the Philippines in the prestigious competition, Claude created his signature cocktail called “Paksa” from the Pens Up initiative, Claude’s personal environmental program on bringing awareness to the growing deforestation concern in the country.
“This aims to teach the Filipino people to have the awareness of taking care of our environment. In our own small way we can give back to mother earth,” Claude shares on Difford’s Guide.
Claude encourages everyone to plant more trees and practice urban gardening. “My cocktail comes with a plantable pencil that bars can use for their garnish. When they serve the drink guests can either take the pencil and plant it in their homes or they can leave it for the bar to plant. This is also a way to encourage bars in the Philippines to plant their own garnishes like herbs and spices.”
‘Paksa’ features Ketel One Family-Made Vodka combined with Bloody Mary Mix Cordial and a splash of Green Chartreuse for a bit of levity and freshness. The cordial was made from juices extracted from fresh tomatoes, jicama, and calamansi. To further enhance the flavor, Claude added black pepper and coco amino acid for a savory undertone. It’s garnished with house-made tomato-jicama leather and a plantable pencil.
Starting as a part-time bartender in 2017, Claude has come a long way from simply squeezing lemons and limes. Today, he is part of Ketel One Vodka’s “Garnish with Good” mission to encourage bartenders to deliver goodness to their communities. They also partnered with the bartenders’ extended families to create a more lasting impact locally “while at the same time raising the standards of cocktails and their creators”.
“Ketel One is striving to empower, recognize, and celebrate bartenders who are shaping the future and doing good in their communities… from raising awareness and encouraging change to making better environmental
and social choices,” reads Difford’s Guide.
Keep on sharing Claude’s signature cocktail on social media, help him by spreading awareness of the causes Claude is championing, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #KOContestPhilippines.
Stay in the loop about Claude’s World Class Global Finals journey. Visit the World Class Philippines microsite and follow @worldclassphilippines on Instagram.
Just like Claude and the rest of the bartenders competing this year, let’s #MakeItWorldClass and drink responsibly.
About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer, and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray, and Guinness.
Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.
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