Metropole's bartender wins the Havana Club Hanoi 2019 Competition.

The cocktail that helped Hoang Nguyen win is called Su Su Cubano. It's a special blend of Havana Club 7YO rum and Vietnamese coffee. Currently, guests can order this delicious drink at the Angelina cocktail bar, the whisky room, and the restaurant at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi hotel.

Hoang Nguyen shared: “My idea was to create a drink that combines the cultures of both countries, Cuba and Vietnam, where the highlight of Su Su Cubano is the Cuban spirit and Havana Club rum. Cuban cocktails are famous for their simplicity, and my product is no exception. In addition, the Su Su Cubano cocktail pairs very well with world-renowned Cuban cigars.”

Hoang Nguyen introduced his handcrafted cocktail on March 1st at the Havana Club Competition, held at the hotel's Angelina cocktail bar. The Sueno Cubano cocktail consists of 60ml of Havana Club 7YO rum, 5ml of homemade cognac, spices, 7ml of Vietnamese coffee, and two dark chocolate chips. The cocktail is mixed in a Ricard-coated glass and smoked with mesquite wood. Hoang Nguyen revealed that the use of homemade cognac and spices helped create a harmonious and unique flavor profile.

After winning in Hanoi, Hoang Nguyen is eager to travel to Cuba to participate in the finals alongside contestants from around the world. He shared: “This is a fantastic opportunity because I am not only representing the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi hotel but also Vietnam at the world finals held in Havana. And I am also very much looking forward to serving this special drink to our customers at the Angelina cocktail bar.”

The Phong