PRESS RELEASES
The Luxardo Cocktail Competition celebrates unprecedented triumphs, pioneers female bartender success, and showcases spectacular mixology talent, with Rosewood Phnom Penh's trailblazing mixologists stealing the spotlight.
July 04, 2024
The recent Luxardo Cocktail Competition not only redefined excellence in mixology, but also proved to be a groundbreaking platform for celebrating diversity and championing the accomplishments of talented bartenders. Among the extraordinary participants was Rosewood Phnom Penh’s Phanny Seng, a trailblazer from Kandal province, who made history by becoming the first female bartender to finish in first place in this prestigious competition.
Phanny drew inspiration for her win from her unwavering passion for the art of mixology. Her journey as a professional bartender has been driven by her love for crafting drinks and an unrelenting determination to excel in the industry. Her remarkable achievement not only highlights her personal triumph but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring female bartenders across Cambodia.
At the heart of Phanny's mixology philosophy lies the premise that crafting cocktails hinges on the desired taste and base of the cocktail. Reflecting on her approach, Phanny remarked, "For me, it's about understanding the taste that my guest is looking for and the cocktail base I have on hand. If I'm aiming for a Fizz cocktail, for example, I carefully select the best ingredients available and consider creative alternatives to enhance the flavors, while mastering techniques to make each and every drink special."
Phanny shared the details of an incredible creation she crafted for the competition, the "Morlacco Spring," a cocktail that pays tribute to the beauty of Japan's Sakura spring blossoms and represents a harmonious fusion of Japanese and Italian flavors. The infusion of Luxardo Maraschino cherry liqueur with the cocktail’s base ingredient, Morlacco, adds a luxurious touch to the drink. Inspired by the Italian Negroni, the "Morlacco Spring" presents a captivating blend of rich Italian flavors entwined with delicate Japanese elements, appealing to a diverse range of tastes. “With sweet and sour notes reminiscent of the fragrance of Sakura blossoms, this exquisite cocktail embodies the spirit of spring, making it the perfect choice for heralding the arrival of this fabulous season,” said Phanny.
Addressing her fellow bartenders, Phanny extended an impassioned invitation. "Dear bartenders, if you have a passion for this industry, I encourage you to step into the world of mixology. Pursue your dream, find joy in your craft, showcase your skills, and demonstrate your passion and commitment to the world."
Rosewood Phnom Penh’s bartenders left an indelible mark on the Luxardo Cocktail Competition. Sela Sum, hailing from Kampong Cham province, secured third place with a cocktail that intricately blended sustainability and extraordinary taste. Inspired by the classic Gin Fizz and infused with distinctive Japanese flair, Sela introduced the "Worldwide Fizz" to the competition as a testament to his expertise and unique style. Thanks to his experience working at a Japanese cocktail bar, Sela expertly incorporates a selection of Japanese ingredients into his cocktails, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation.
Reflecting on his cocktail philosophy Sela said, "I believe that every element of a cocktail can tell a story and contribute to a greater narrative. By repurposing ingredients that are often overlooked, I aim to raise awareness about the possibilities for crafting exceptional drinks while minimizing waste."
To experience Phanny and Sela’s cocktails, visit Iza and Sora on level 37 of Rosewood Phnom Penh. For reservations or information, please call +855 23 936 888 or email phnompenh@rosewoodhotels.com
Sora is open daily from 5 p.m. to midnight, with last orders at 11:45 p.m.
