bacardi legacy

After winning the national final of BACARDÍ Legacy twice and finishing in the top 3 globally in 2016, Lizaveta Maliauka, founder of SEATED, felt a shift in her path.

BACARDÍ Legacy, one of the most respected competitions in bartending, had given her the chance to create the Anything Else cocktail, a drink with the potential to join the ranks of iconic classics like the Mojito and Daiquirí. It was a humbling challenge that pushed her to think beyond technique and truly embrace the art of storytelling through mixology.

With an O1 talent visa and sponsorship from the Nomad Hotel, Lizaveta made the bold move to New York City, eager to learn, grow, and contribute to the city’s dynamic hospitality scene. While her win was a personal milestone, it was also the experience from BACARDÍ Legacy that shaped her deeper understanding of bartending — not as just a job, but as a way to connect with people and create experiences that last.

This led to the creation of SEATED, a brand built on the belief that every event is an opportunity to craft something special. Through SEATED, Lizaveta aims to go beyond just serving drinks — she seeks to create moments where people come together, share stories, and experience something truly memorable.

Today, Lizaveta continues to embrace the journey, staying focused on the importance of connection, attention to details, and the power of a great experience.