The United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) challenged 17 of the world’s best bartenders to compete against each other to create an original version of a Pina Colada recipe at the Tales of the Cocktail event in New Orleans. Sponsored by Bacardi and In the Mix Magazine, the competition was judged by a group of technical and tasting cocktail authorities based on appearance, aroma, balance of flavors, taste, creativity, technical skills, presentation and the overall appeal of character. All participants were required to use rum as the base spirit. The first place judges’ choice was Debbi Peek from Chicago with her cocktail, “No Passport Required.” The first place people’s choice went to Matt Meyers from Las Vegas with his cocktail, “Thai Pina Colada.”