Flor de Caña Sustainable Cocktail Challenge – the idea of sustainable cocktails
In August, William Rabbit & Co. in Krakow hosted the Polish finals of the Flor de Caña Sustainable Cocktail Challenge – one of the largest bartending competitions in the world, promoting the idea of sustainable cocktail preparation using local ingredients, reducing waste and using energy-efficient equipment. Every year, the event attracts around 1,500 bartenders from around the world, becoming a true celebration of creativity and innovation in the bartending industry.
It was there that Dawid Stoch, a talented bartender from ART Katowice, presented his Clever Club cocktail, which secured him the victory and the title of Poland's Champion 2025, followed by victory in the semi-finals of the Flor de Caña Sustainable Cocktail Challenge 2025 in Madrid.
Krast Strawberry Sparkle reinterpreted in The Clover Club
The competition rules required participants to reinterpret a classic cocktail from the so-called Golden Age (1806-1919), combining it with modern inspiration based on the principles of sustainable development. Dawid Stoch took on the classic The Clover Club and prepared a modern version of it for the national quarter-finals, called Clever Club, which consisted of Flor de Caña rum, browned butter, whey syrup and Krast Strawberry Sparkle soda.
Krast, made from upcycled bread, perfectly matched the philosophy of the competition – zero waste, local sourcing and a sustainable approach to production. Its delicate strawberry flavour and light acidity created a coherent composition with the buttery character of rum, creating a unique, natural flavour balance.
Krast – happy belly soda for many applications
Krast is a series of innovative drinks created by Rebread as part of the circular economy concept. Our happy belly soda is made from unsold bread, which, thanks to the fermentation process, gains a second life as delicious drinks without added sugar or preservatives. Available as a natural probiotic soda Strawberry Sparkle and Cherry Vibe that provides healthy energy.
More about Krast: https://krast.eu/
As Dawid Stoch says:
Krast works great in cocktails and mocktails, mainly because of its complex, well-balanced flavour. Natural ingredients and balance are definitely the key. I chose it because of the brand's philosophy – sustainability and giving products a second life is something I really value.
Thanks to this choice, Clever Club not only impressed the Polish jury with its taste and harmony, but also told a story of responsibility and a modern approach to the craft of bartending. Thanks to initiatives such as the Flor de Caña Sustainable Cocktail Challenge and creators such as Dawid Stoch, the zero-waste approach is becoming a real part of everyday bartending practice, and upcycled beverages are gaining new applications as a basis for sustainable products.
From Krakow to Madrid, then to Nicaragua
After winning in Poland, Dawid Stoch represented our country in the European final of the competition, which took place on 23 September in Madrid. Among the 18 best bartenders in Europe, Dawid was among the top six on the continent, winning the title of European Champion 2025.
In February 2026, Dawid will fly to Nicaragua, where he will compete against the best bartenders from around the world in the Global Grand Finale of the Flor de Caña Sustainable Cocktail Challenge.
Fingers crossed!
Note: This article is not intended to promote alcohol consumption. Its intention is to highlight the importance of sustainability in various industries, including the foodservice and beverage industries, and to encourage the exploration of the potential of Krast in a variety of applications.
