Lebanese bartender, John Mansour, won the second place at the Grand Finals of the Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge 2018. Ray Letoa of New Zealand won first place, and Maximiliano Vallée Valletta of Canada was ranked third.

In addition to the title of Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge Champion, Letoa took home USD 10,000 and a two-year contract as Angostura’s Global Brand Ambassador. The two other trophies that were awarded: Best Amaro Cocktail, to Pedro Martinez of France, representing the European Union, and Best Rum Cocktail, again to John Mansour, representing the Middle East and African Region.

John Mansour competed against 10 other top bartenders from around the world in a contest where original cocktails were created using world-famous Angostura aromatic bitters, Angostura orange bitters, Angostura Rums and Amaro di Angostura.

John Mansour believes that mixology combines the best ingredients, a well-balanced delicious cocktail, and an unforgettable customer experience, which ensures the craft delivers consistency, time after time. With over 13 years mixology experience, John Mansour major achievements include managing a bar that was home to three different concept bars, reaching Top 3 in World Class Lebanon 2015 and consulting for various bars in Beirut.