Marriott Names 2026 Sustainable Bartender Champions in Southeast Asia

 What happens when you combine surplus goat cheese, leftover fruit basket scraps, and dragon fruit peels with world-class spirits? You get the future of sustainable luxury—crafted right behind the bar.

At the recent regional semi-finals of the 2026 APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship at W Bangkok’s W Lounge, six of the region’s best mixologists proved that eco-conscious dining doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or elegance. Representing top Marriott properties across Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, these bartenders went head-to-head in a high-stakes competition centered on one goal: turning food waste into high-end art.

Using Pernod Ricard’s premium spirits alongside a "Future Larder" of locally sourced ingredients, competitors tackled the challenge of eliminating kitchen waste—a key pillar of Marriott’s Serve360 sustainability platform. After a intense "Black Box Final," two standout mixologists emerged victorious to represent the region at the APEC Grand Final in Singapore this September.

Meet the Champions:

• Phichitchai “Mike” Saencharusuchit (Bar Supervisor, The St. Regis Bar, The St. Regis Bangkok)

The Creation: The G.O.A.T (Grounded. Origin. Artisanal. Thai.)

• The Story: Mike demonstrated how surplus ingredients can elevate a luxury cocktail. His winning drink features Código 1530 Tequila Blanco fat-washed with surplus goat cheese, combined with local fig leaves, house-made fig mustard, and a spiced jalapeño liqueur made from repurposed fruit basket scraps—all finished with a completely edible garnish.

• Tanatat “Sam” Boon-Anuwat (Senior Bartender, Caleō, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok)

  • The Creation: Magenta Sour
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  • The Story: Guided by a strict zero-waste philosophy, Sam brought the "From Waste to Wonder" theme to life. His vibrant twist on a tequila sour pairs Olmeca Altos Plata with local Thai coconut vinegar and utilizes every single part of the dragon fruit—from the juice and pulp down to a repurposed edible peel garnish.

Both Mike and Sam will head to Singapore in September to compete for the ultimate grand prize: an all-expenses-paid trip to a Marriott resort in the APEC region, an exclusive guest stint at Pernod Ricard’s Brand Homes, and a regional guest bartending tour.

The APEC Sustainable Bartender Championship showcases the incredible skill of our teams while tackling food waste in a creative, interactive way," said Vincent Van Mechelen, Senior Director of Operations for Thailand, Cambodia, Laos & Myanmar. "By embracing indigenous ingredients, our bartenders give guests an authentic taste of place while caring for the planet.