Do you like cocktails?
When Local Talent and Vision Align
Ladies and gentlemen, our head bartender
The professional journey of Rubén Zayas, head bartender and manager of the Terrassa at Hotel Ultonia, is a clear example of how the combination of talent, dedication and opportunity can lead to outstanding results. After being named Runner-up at the Spanish Sparkling Cocktail Championship 2025, he has earned recognition that projects both Girona and the Catalan cocktail scene onto the national and international stage.
This successful journey began when, for the fi rst time, the Catalan Cocktail Championship was held outside Barcelona, specifi cally in Girona. Driven by Mariona Vilanova (Nykteri’s), the 2023 edition took place at Hotels Ultonia Girona, where a young local talent delivered a remarkable surprise by winning the championship, thus opening the door to national competition.
From Girona to the National Stage
Qualifying at the Catalan championship enabled Rubén Zayas to compete in the Spanish Sparkling Cocktail Championship 2025, held in Mallorca and organised by the Federation of Bartenders’ Associations of Spain (FABE). Following a highly demanding process — including theoretical exams, tastings, language assessments and technical challenges — Zayas secured second place at national level.
His next challenge will be to represent Spain at the Pan-American Cocktail Competition in Aruba next year. Although Sparkling is not his preferred category, the Girona-based bartender chose to specialise in it as a strategic move to achieve his professional goals, demonstrating a clear commitment to excellence.
The Beny Cocktail: Identity, Territory and Storytelling
The proposal that captivated the jury was the Beny cocktail, a creation that brings together key values such as identity, roots and professional heritage. The name refers to the family-run restaurant in Sant Antoni de Calonge, operating for over forty years, and stands as a tribute to origin and legacy.
Beny is a cocktail with a strong local identity, crafted with Girona apples, apple purée, ginger, cinnamon, a touch of clove and mezcal, fi nished with Codorníu cava. The garnish, created using Isomalt, reinforces the visual and conceptual narrative, turning the cocktail into a complete experience, both sensorial and storytelling-driven.
Innovation, Experience and Cocktail Culture
Qualifying at the Catalan championship enabled Rubén Zayas to compete in the Spanish Sparkling Cocktail Championship 2025, held in Mallorca and organised by the Federation of Bartenders’ Associations of Spain (FABE). Following a highly demanding process — including theoretical exams, tastings, language assessments and technical challenges — Zayas secured second place at national level.
His next challenge will be to represent Spain at the Pan-American Cocktail Competition in Aruba next year. Although Sparkling is not his preferred category, the Girona-based bartender chose to specialise in it as a strategic move to achieve his professional goals, demonstrating a clear commitment to excellence.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the year ahead, the Terrassa at Hotel Ultonia will unveil a new cocktail menu representing a signifi cant step forward in its gastronomic and experiential offering. The objective is clear: to bring author-driven mixology to diverse audiences, place a strong focus on younger generations, and actively contribute to the growth of the sector.
This project further consolidates Hotel Ultonia as a hub for talent, innovation and projection, capable of hosting initiatives that generate real impact both locally and beyond.
