The former actor, model and TV host introduces the cocktail that won him the Bacardi Legacy competition in 2019.
The former actor, model and television host Ronnaporn “Neung” Kanivichaporn is a self-taught bartender. Initially involved in the Diageo World Class competition as an MC, Ronnaporn took the leap in 2014 and joined as a competitor. He was crowned champion and went on to represent Thailand at the Global World Class Finals in London, where he placed 11th.
In 2017, he participated in and won the World Class Finals in Thailand again. And he represented Thailand in Mexico City. He is the first and only Thai to win this title twice. In 2019, he also won the Southeast Asian Bacardi Legacy competition and represented Thailand in Amsterdam.
He made Thailand proud again in 2019, when he landed his biggest recognition by winning the global champion title at the Bacardi Legacy. He is the first global winner from Asia. Neung is the co-owner/bartender of Backstage Cocktail Bar (Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2017-2021), #FindTheLockerRoom (Best New Bar, BKK Bar Awards 2018) and #FindThePhotoBooth.
“Pink Me Up”
This is the Neung’s award-winning cocktail from the Bacardi Legacy competition in 2019. Inspired from the ‘pick me up’ cocktail category, the drink creatively uses rum, a spirit not often associated with “brunch”-style drinks—unlike vodka’s Bloody Mary or gin’s Corpses Reviver No. 2. The rum helps to create a surprisingly refreshing and balanced cocktail that will cheer up anyone’s day.
Ingredients:
White Rum (Bacardi) 45ml
Fresh tomato 1 pc
Fresh basil 5-6 leaves
Orgeat syrup 10ml
Lemon juice 20ml
Olive brine 5-10ml
Directions:
- Muddle fresh tomato and shake with all other ingredients and ice
- Double strain in coupe or cocktail glass
- Serve with olive on stick
- Enjoy!
