Marriott's Rising Star Bartenders Put Sustainable Cocktails in the Spotlight

Two standout bartenders from Bangkok will represent Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar at the 2026 APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship grand final

Sustainability has become one of the defining trends in modern cocktail culture, and Marriott International is shining a spotlight on the bartenders leading the movement. At the regional semi-final of the 2026 APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship, six talented mixologists from Marriott properties across Thailand competed not only on flavor and technique, but also on their ability to transform locally sourced ingredients and kitchen by-products into exceptional drinks.

Held at W Bangkok's stylish W Lounge in collaboration with Pernod Ricard, the competition celebrated creativity, craftsmanship, and a shared commitment to reducing food waste through innovative mixology.

Two Bartenders Rise to the Top

After a series of challenges, including the competition's signature Black Box Final, two bartenders emerged as the TCLM (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar) champions.

Phichitchai "Mike" Saencharusuchit, Bar Supervisor at The St. Regis Bar, The St. Regis Bangkok, impressed judges with The G.O.A.T. (Grounded. Origin. Artisanal. Thai.), a cocktail that demonstrates how luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. Built around Código 1530 Tequila Blanco fat-washed with surplus goat cheese, the drink incorporates local fig leaves, house-made fig mustard, and a spicy jalapeño liqueur crafted from repurposed fruit basket scraps before being finished with an edible garnish.

Tanatat "Sam" Boon-Anuwat, Senior Bartender at Caleō, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, secured the second winning spot with Magenta Sour. Created around the competition's "From Waste to Wonder" theme, the tropical tequila sour pairs Olmeca Altos Plata with Thai coconut vinegar and utilizes every part of the dragon fruit—from the juice and pulp to an edible garnish made from the peel—embracing a true zero-waste philosophy.

Sustainability Behind the Bar

The championship challenged competitors to create cocktails using Pernod Ricard's premium spirits, including Monkey 47, Martell, Chivas Regal, Código 1530, Altos, Ki No Bi, and Absolut Elyx, alongside a "Future Larder" of fresh local ingredients that reflect each destination while helping reduce food waste.

Rather than treating sustainability as an afterthought, the competition encouraged bartenders to rethink overlooked ingredients, transforming kitchen surplus into premium drinking experiences without compromising on flavor or presentation.

A Showcase of Thailand's Cocktail Talent

The six competing bartenders represented some of Marriott's leading hotels and resorts, including Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok, The St. Regis Bangkok, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Patong Beach Resort, and Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach.

The event highlighted the depth of talent within Marriott's food and beverage teams, while reinforcing the group's broader sustainability ambitions through Serve360, Marriott's global environmental and social impact platform.

“The APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship is a great way to showcase the amazing skill and creativity of our bar teams, while also championing local sourcing and eliminating food waste in a fun and interactive way. By embracing fresh indigenous ingredients, we can give our guests a true taste of their destination. I would like to thank every competitor for making this event such a tremendous success,” said Vincent Van Mechelen, Senior Director of Operations for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar.

Next Stop: Singapore

Mike and Sam will now represent the TCLM region at the grand final of the 2026 APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship in Singapore this September, where they will compete against the region's best sustainable bartenders.

The overall champions will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to a destination within Marriott's Asia-Pacific portfolio, an exclusive visit to one of Pernod Ricard's Brand Homes, and the opportunity to guest bartender at some of the region's leading cocktail bars.

As sustainable mixology continues to shape the future of fine drinking, competitions like the APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship are proving that great cocktails can be every bit as responsible as they are memorable.

[PHOTO: Courtesy of Marriott International]