The semi-final of this regionwide competition was staged at W Bangkok, as Marriott’s talented bartenders were challenged to revive forgotten ingredients and create sustainable cocktails
From left to right: The six best entrants from JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, Hua Hin Marriott Resort & Spa, W Bangkok, Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong, Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok, and Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
Bangkok, Thailand: June 16, 2025 – Marriott International has successfully staged the semi-final of its “Sustainable Bartender Championship” at W Bangkok, celebrating the talent, creativity, and innovation of the mixologists at its hotels & resorts in Thailand and Cambodia. In a dynamic event on June 6th, 2025, six highly skilled bartenders shook up their original concoctions in front of an expert panel of judges, with two winners going through to the Asia Pacific “Rising Stars” grand final in September.
This year’s competition challenged the contestants to invent fresh new cocktails that revive forgotten local ingredients from their destination, while also eliminating food waste and demonstrating a sustainable mindset, in line with Marriott’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) values.
The contest was staged in collaboration with Pernod Ricard’s leading beverage brands, including Codigo 1530, Monkey 47, Martell, Chivas Regal, Ki No Bi, and Absolut Elyx. The bartenders were required to use these premium products, along with their chosen “forgotten ingredients” to create a highly original and delicious cocktail. Having recorded a compelling reel to present their drinks, and a one-month period to promote and sell this special cocktail at their bar, the six best entrants from Thailand and Cambodia were invited to W Bangkok for the semi-final, where each competitor had 20 minutes to present their cocktail to the judges.
Having selected their top three cocktails, the judges welcomed the finalists to the last challenge – a daunting “Black Box Final”! In this live, high-pressure finale, the three bartenders had to craft cocktails using secret ingredients. After a tense wait, the two winners were crowned.
“The level of skill and creativity on display at this event was truly inspiring. I would like to thank every contestant who entered; it gives us great confidence that there are so many talented, up-and-coming mixologists at Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of hotels and resorts across the region. It is also heart-warming to see that, while many of them are young, they are embracing the time-honored ingredients and authentic flavors of their regions. The future is bright for the beverage industry in Thailand and Cambodia,” said Brad Edman, Market Vice President for Thailand, Cambodia & Myanmar.
The two winners who were crowned as Marriott’s 2025 “Rising Stars” are Satichai “James” Sommao from Siam Yacht Club, Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel Bangkok and Jakkrit “Golf” Promchaisit from Bar Sathorn, W Bangkok.
James wowed the judges with The Kyoto Goldsail, which takes the often-overlooked vegetable bok choy and blends it with the richness of Thai tea, enhanced with the botanicals of Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin and finished with a Thai tea smoke. Every element is crafted with a zero-waste mindset – from bok choy-infused vermouth to dehydrated garnishes and pickled stalks – making it both a creative and conscious tribute to modern mixology.
Golf’s original cocktail, Sathorn Garden, embodies a circular approach to sustainability. It starts at W Bangkok’s rooftop garden, where food waste from the hotel’s restaurants is composted into nutrient-rich soil, where herbs like mint are grown for use behind the bar. Cold-infused coconut cream was blended with fresh mint and Japanese cucumber to create a near zero-waste cocktail that champions local produce, mindful consumption, and a deep respect for the ingredients.
“At Marriott International, our commitment to sustainability runs throughout every aspect of our business. In terms of F&B, we work tirelessly to minimize food waste and partner with trusted local suppliers to source sustainable ingredients, creating long-term benefits for the community and the environment. So, it is wonderful to see how our associates are embracing this philosophy and moving our business forward. Events such as the ‘Sustainable Bartender Championship’ underscore our dedication to ‘Doing Good in Every Direction’, in line with Serve360, our sustainability and social impact platform,” added Vincent Van Mechelen, Senior Director of Operations for Thailand, Cambodia & Myanmar
The two regional winners will now compete in the Asia Pacific Regional Finals, where they have a chance to win the grand prize from our sponsor partner, Pernod Ricard: an all-expenses-paid trip to the Pernod Ricard Brand House, plus a guest bartending tour of some of the region’s top bars.
To learn more about Marriott Bonvoy’s hotels and resorts in Asia Pacific, please visit www.marriott.com
