Dominic Laverty of Princess Cruises has been crowned Diaego Americas Global Travel Team (GTME) best bartender at a final held last night in Miami. Judged by a panel of industry greats including Angus Winchester, Tanqueray Global Brand Ambassador; Ricky Gomez, 2012 US World Class Bartender of the Year; and Philip Duff, award-winning spirits and cocktail educator at Liquid Solutions, Dominic excelled in his natural ability to entertain the guests, create inventive cocktails and present with unmatched flair.

Following the creation of a new Diageo GTME cruise line partnership for 2013, the GTME final featured the best bartending talent from Princess Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. Dominic and his fellow competitors were tested on their bartending knowledge, skill and showmanship behind the bar.

Dominic will go on to compete against the world’s best bartenders from over 50 countries at the final July 4 to 9 to be held aboard a boutique cruise ship in the Mediterranean.

Previous winners of Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year have become recognized industry names, travelling the globe as World Class Ambassadors, participating in international events and have gone on to receive numerous accolades.

Following his win in 2010, Erik Lorincz, personally worked as a consultant and head bartender for Petra Ecclestone’s wedding, as a consultant on the casino scene for the latest James Bond film Skyfall and worked with Cartier to create a signature cocktail for a new product launch. 2012 winner Tim Philips has opened his own bar, Bulletin Place, to critical acclaim and is currently working with celebrated Australian chefs Colin Fassnidge, Wayd Bailey and Eric Pernoud to create a six-course world class cocktail and food pairing menu that will be served at the Noosa Food and Wine Festival in May.