Winners of Marriott International’s annual Asia Pacific Rising Stars mixologists competition
October 6th, 2025
Talented mixologists representing the best of Marriott International bars from across Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) put their skills to the test in Bangkok to create modern concoctions centered around forgotten ingredients from their local communities.
The annual competition saw Jakkrit Promchaosit from W Bangkok’s award-winning Bar Sathorn crowned Marriott International APEC’s Rising Star 2025. His cocktail, Sathorn Garden, wowed judges with its innovative use of ingredients to create a unique blend of Thai-inspired flavors. Mint grown from W Bangkok’s on-property garden and grasshopper was paired with Japanese cucumber, coconut and Codigo Tequila in a cold infusion, and clarified in coconut cream.
Jun Gyu, a mixologist from The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore took second place, with Caramboleh, an inspired fusion of Monkey 47 Gin, starfruit, sour plum, and a unique syrup crafted from recycled coffee grounds.
JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity’s Akshay Kumar came in third with his bold reinvention of the classic dirty Martini. The Imperfect Martini features Monkey 47 Gin, olive brine, jalapeño brine and orange juice, shaken not stirred.
(L-R: Sathorn Garden by Jakkrit Promchaosit, Caramboleh by Jun Gyu and Imperfect Martini by Akshay Kumar)
The Grand Final held at W Bangkok was the culmination of a months-long competition series which saw 240 bartenders from across APEC create new cocktails incorporating sustainability by reviving the use of forgotten ingredients and using Pernod Ricard brand liquors. Cocktails were sold at participants’ bars, and two mixologists from each of APEC’s seven area teams with the highest sales and most creative cocktails won the honor of representing their areas in the Grand Final. Finalists were given a mystery box challenge, and in the final round contestants added their personal twist to a classic cocktail. The eventual winners impressed the judges with their creativity, technical skills and showmanship.
“At Marriott International APEC, we believe that diversity is our strength. The Rising Star competition is the perfect way to bring together the different flavors our region has to offer, while showcasing the depth of talent of our mixologists. In all, more than 19,000 cocktails were sold across our hotels, each one celebrating forgotten ingredients and local stories,” said Petr Raba, Vice President F&B, Marriott International APEC.
(images credit Marriott International)
