HANOI, Vietnam (April 4, 2019) — Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi bartender Hoang Nguyen has won the Havana Club Competition Hanoi 2019 and earned a spot in the international final in Havana, Cuba in September.

Hoang’s winning cocktail, known as “Sueno Cubano,” features a distinctive mix of Havana Club 7YO rum and Vietnamese coffee. Guests can order the drink now at angelina cocktail bar, whisky lounge and restaurant at the hotel.

“My idea was to create a drink that combines the cultures of both countries—Cuba and Vietnam—using Cuba’s national spirit, Havana Club rum,” Hoang said. “Cuban cocktails are famous for their simplicity and so is mine. ‘Sueno Cubano’ is also made to pair well with Cuba’s world-renowned cigars.”

The bartender introduced his handcrafted cocktail on Mar. 1 at the Havana Club Competition, which was held at angelina.

“Sueno Cubano” includes 60ml of Havana Club 7YO rum, 5ml of a homemade, spiced cognac reduction, 7ml of Vietnamese coffee and two dashes of chocolate bitters. It’s served in a glass rinsed with Ricard and smoked with mesquite wood.

“The homemade, spiced cognac reduction helps balance the cocktail and gives it its unique taste,” said Hoang.

Hoang looks forward to flying to Cuba to participate in the global competition.

“It’s a great opportunity to represent not only the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi but also Vietnam at the global final in Havana. And I look forward to serving this special drink to our customers at angelina,” he said.