Carnival Cruise Line’s master mixologist Miroslav (Miro) Kljajic has been named "Bartender of the Year" at the 2016 Bacardi Legacy Cruise Competition.
Miro, who launched Alchemy Bar on the Australia-based Carnival Spirit last year, earned top honours for his custom-created libation, "Elixir Fizz," a refreshing mix of Bacardi Carta Blanca rum, Tawny port, vanilla/thyme syrup, Prosecco and Fee Brothers Cherry Bitters liqueur.
His win marks the third time in the past five years that a Carnival mixologist has earned the coveted award.
Miro joined Carnival Cruise Line in 2012 after working at a number of well-established restaurants and bars throughout Europe.
Since joining Carnival, he has worked almost exclusively at the line's cocktail pharmacy themed Alchemy Bars, where bartenders "prescribe" custom cocktails featuring unique ingredients with creative monikers. This included time Down Under to launch Alchemy Bar onboard Carnival Spirit following its refurbishment in September last year.
Alchemy Bar is featured on 11 Carnival ships and will be among the many bar and dining concepts that will be featured on the new Carnival Vista, which is set to debut in Europe May 1.
The Bacardi Legacy Cruise Competition attracted more than 4000 entries from top bartenders across major cruise and ferry lines worldwide. In addition to a $4000 cash award and an etched trophy, Kljajic has earned a spot in the finals of the Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail Competition in San Francisco.
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