I have countless memories of last year’s Havana Club Cocktail Maestros global final. All of them precious. There was the location for starters. Nowhere has quite the faded glamour, or packs the same visual impact as Havana, Cuba. Then there was the competition itself – this was the first year of the brand new, totally revised format and together, the teams at Havana Club had pulled out all the stops to ensure that it would be a highlight on the cocktail competition calendar. On top of that, there was the way the four-day programme had been put together. Each moment had been carefully curated to inform, inspire, educate and stimulate everyone taking part.
Above all though, we’ll always remember Lexie – beautiful, spirited, talented Lexie.
Some people smile with their mouths. With others, you see it in their eyes. Lexie’s smile transcended both of those things. It came from the heart. And during those four days in Havana, those of us who were with her saw that special Lexie smile countless times.
Lexie, or Alexandra Constantinescu to give her her full name, was one of eight teams of bartenders who made it to the inaugural Havana Club Cocktail Maestros global finals. She had won her place on the trip along with teammate Shreya Basu, and boy, were they both absolutely made up to be there.
We’ve mentioned that smile but Lexie stood out for more reasons, including her genuine respect, talent and passion for her craft, the way she pushed herself creatively and professionally and perhaps most notable, the way that she connected with everyone she came in contact with. In my capacity as one of the judges of the competition, I witnessed all of her innate qualities shine through first hand.
During those four days I can honestly say that Lexie was happy, positive and bursting with enthusiasm for the finals and her fellow competitors. And while she and Shreya narrowly missed out on winning the overall competition, they were the undeniable champions of people’s hearts. Fact.
When the competition was over, both Lexie and Shreya were looking forward to spending a few extra days in Havana to discover more of the city. Before I left, I remember hugging them both tightly and promising to see them back in London. Then a few days later I heard that Lexie had gone.
It’s been almost 10 months since her unexpected passing and it still hasn’t quite sunk in. Not with me, not with anyone. I can still see that smile, I can still feel that hug, still feel her infectious energy and the excitement she had for her time in Cuba.
As Havana Club announces the second edition of its Havana Club Cocktail Maestros those memories surface again. Particularly as I, along with Simone Caporale will be returning to Havana for the global final in 2026 to resume our roles as judges. However, I know how much Lexie enjoyed the camaraderie, connections and learnings and I also know she will be very much in focus with us all while we’re there.
Her unexpected passing will no doubt be remembered again on a wider level. As it should be. But we should also remember her the way that I will remember her: happy, much loved and smiling that very special Lexie smile.
