Philly In Da House At Diageo World Class 2026

Philadelphia was in the house, represented by Alexis Ortega as Ortega claimed the title of 2026 US Bartender of the Year of 2026 Diageo World Class. Ortega, the head bartender at Static Bar in Philadelphia, now advances to the global final in Scotland.

Ortega took on and defeated 15 other bartending finalists in the USA national finals which took place in Chicago last week as bartenders had to master a variety of challenges of creativity and technique with specific brands of Diageo liquors.

Ortega’s winning cocktails were the First Call (a shaken mix of Mr. Black, Don Julio reposado, grapefruit syrup and saline, topped with grapefruit soda and garnished with a grapefruit wedge) and Bella Vista Melon (a combination of Tanqueray, chamomile bitter bianco, concentrated honeydew melon and melon liqueur, garnished with a compressed melon).

Ortega defeated Gonzalo Ramos, Kai Lucas and Kyler Nolan from New York, Elliott Reibert and Taylor Jamison-Parrish from Chicago, Jason Briseno and Michelle Freed from Los Angeles, Becky Rose (Colorado), Bridget Ramsey (New Jersey), Colin Williams (New Orleans), Jeff Banks (Georgia), Mackenzie Helem (Seattle), Peter Hannah (Florida) and Sierra Knight (Cincinnati).

Ortega will now advance to the world final where he will face India’s champion Karan Dhanelia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) champion Sharfin Auni and Great Britain’s champion (who will be decided next month).

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