BarLady in Cuba: Women bartenders celebrate and compete

By: Yoanna Cervera

In the midst of the celebration of International Women’s Day, Cuba will host the second edition of the “International BarLady Competition 2025,” a contest that endorses the creative level and skills of women in the elaboration of the most diverse cocktails.

From the headquarters of the National Association of Bartenders in Havana, its organizers informed the press about the event, which has confirmed participants from 17 countries and  several continents.

The President of the Organizing Committee, Rihder Fuentes, commented that the emblematic Hotel Nacional de Cuba will host the participants and the activities, which will take place from March 7 to 9. The extensive program includes competitions in 5 categories: Long drink, Sparkling, Latin Style, Classic and National; in which the participants 2 minutes for the mise en place, and a further 10 minutes for the demonstration and presentation of their proposal.

Also announced among the activities are the Master Classes of Cuba Ron S.A., Bodegas Torres, El Floridita and La Bodeguita del Medio, a special toast for Women’s Day and the awards ceremony on the evening of the 9th.

The President of the renowned association in the Caribbean country, Eddy Naranjo Castillo, pointed out during the exchange that, “The idea of holding this championship in Havana came after the first edition, where Cuba shone with its participation. We then invited Nafsika Mouzakiti, a Greek host with experience in cocktail contests, who founded BarLady to empower women in this field, the main organizer of the international contest, to verify Cuba’s possibilities as an event host and she was convinced that it would be a great venue.” He added, “Since then we have been preparing to surprise the participants in the organization and everything we are going to offer.”

During the meeting, it was also revealed that Mirtha de las Mercedes González, a worker at the Brisas del Mar Cultural Center of Artex, in Varadero, is the representative for Cuba in the long drink category. With a track record of participation in events, a deep love for mixology and awards that gave her a pass to this championship, such as the National Varadamas and the “Fabio Delgado in Memorian” contest, the Matanzas native is preparing with the support of maestros and colleagues who provide her with knowledge, strengthen her skills and especially the language.

Visibly excited, she said that she is getting ready with the sponsors to make a good cocktail. She explained that she is preparing surprises to give a real show of the worth of Cuban women and added: “It is a privilege and honor to represent Cuba and the women of my country.”

With more than a century of united work and results, the Cuban Bartenders Association currently has 1,582 members, 40 percent of whom are women. The International BarLady Competition 2025 promises to be a true spectacle, where creativity and the art of bartending will come together in a celebration of bartending, culture and friendship.