A silent disco. A synthesis of spirit and sound. Cocktails celebrating industry legends, and the taste of home while in shimmering Shanghai.
These were just some of the complex cues before the world’s best bartenders to craft cocktails. Spanning six continents, they were present at the recently-concluded World Class competition, hosted by Diageo, at W Shanghai, the Bund. In its 15th year, the competition with the theme ‘Future Legacy’, highlighted unique flavour profiles and vibrant cocktail culture, with an eye on sustainability, community and an emphasis on inventive storytelling.
Keegan McGregor, from Highwayman Bar, Halifax, Canada, competed against 44 global finalists and won the title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024. It was the closest finish yet, with just a point separating the winner and runner up, Indonesia’s Aris Sanjaya Putra (founder, Island Bartender, Bali) who took home the People’s Choice Award for his Roots to Flower inspired menu. For the final round, Shanghai Showdown, eight bartenders created their dream bar, with the help of a local artist and two comrades from the cocktail community.
Keegan McGregor celebrates winning World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024| Photo Credit:Special Arrangement Keegan’s winning menu of six drinks featured hat tips to popular cocktails: Clover Club, Buck, and a classic Canadian Meat Hook, using premium, zero ABV and shiitake spirits, green tea, bee pollen, marmite and coffee vermouth cooked .