Juan Sosa, bartender at Mango’s Tropical Café, won the title of Miami’s Ultimate Bartender 2015 at a heated competition last Friday, June 26th at Magic City Casino. In 2000 when Juan Sosa came from Argentina and was hired as a barback at Mango’s Tropical Café on South Beach, little did he know that his career would spiral and he would win the title of “Miami’s Ultimate Bartender” and a cash prize of $5,000.
“When I started Mango’s nearly 25 years ago, it was designed to cultivate talented people” stated David Wallack, owner. “We are all very proud of Juan’s accomplishment, it is well –deserved”.
Sosa was sponsored by Voli Vodka, which touts International Superstar Pitbull as its Brand Ambassador.
“Last week I sold my car and my bike to get extra money to put a down payment on a house. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices but always God was next to me and Friday he was there next to me too,” said an excited Sosa. “I want to thank all who supported me, Mango’s owner, Mango’s team, my family, Voli sponsor, friends, Facebook friends etc etc I am so happy because now I can get up again.”
Sosa was exactly $5,000 short to close on the house which he was working towards so his kids could go to the school of their choice. The prize money makes the house a reality. The Ultimate Miami competition hosted by Magic City Casino involved the process where the final participants are selected to compete. Attendees voted by providing their favorite bartender and drink with a purple casino chip.
Then the finalists battled to win the title of “Miami’s Ultimate” by creating a drink in 8 minutes using a stocked bar but a requirement of a “secret” ingredient – banana. Sosa concocted a drink he called Banana Sunshine. Celebrating its 25th anniversary March 23, 2016, Mango’s Tropical Café South Beach is one of the nation’s top ten grossing bars in America and is known as one of the country’s hottest nightclubs.
The new Mango’s Tropical Café Orlando, scheduled to open this fall in the heart of Orlando’s International Drive tourist district, is destined to follow a similar path. For more information, visit mangos.com or call 305- 673-4422.
