Everything You Need to Win the 2026 MONIN Cup
By Tara Founger Presented by MONIN
Published June 03, 2026
The 2026 MONIN Cup is back to giving the next generation of emerging visionary bartenders a platform to take their talent, artistry, technique, creativity and storytelling to the global stage. If you want a chance at winning cash prizes, global media recognition and an all expenses paid trip to Paris, France AND you are an emerging Bartender (27 or under) in the US, Canada & Mexico keep reading as the MONIN Cup might be the ultimate career launchpad you’ve been waiting for and your ticket to the global stage.
Here is everything you need to know … and if you want to skip ahead and enter now - ENTER HERE.
Paris is waiting! Submission deadlines are June 15th for Canada & Mexico and June 30th for the US & Puerto Rico.
The 2026 MONIN Cup Challenge & Theme - Timeless Twists.
This year’s theme invites bartenders to play with concept of time and classics to bridge the past and the future of cocktails by:
Drawing inspiration from classic cocktails, flavors, or techniques
Reimagining them with a modern perspective in an original cocktail
Creating something that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking
In other words: honor the tradition, but don’t be afraid to reinvent it.
Who Can Enter the MONIN Cup?
The competition is designed to specifically support and discover emerging young bartender talent in the industry.
To be eligible, you must:
Be an active working bartender or a student at a bar school
Meet the age requirement (participants must be 27 or younger for the international final)
Be able to present your cocktail in English during later stages of the competition
If you make the Grand Finale, you must be able to legally travel to Paris, France
How Does the MONIN Cup Work?
The MONIN Cup is structured in stages, with the potential to grow and compete at several levels. At each stage, you’ll present your drink, explain your concept, and demonstrate both technical execution and creativity.
National Competitions
You’ll start by competing nationally with your original cocktail by submitting your cocktail virtually online. A panel of Monin beverage experts will review all entries and select the top submissions from each region to advance to the live, in-person semi-final rounds taking place this summer across North America.*
Mexico Deadline Jun 15, 2026
Canada Deadline June 30, 2026
United States (including Puerto Rico) Deadline Jun 30, 2026
Regional Semi-Finals
Top competitors from each country will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to their regional competition in the host cities below. There, one National Champion from each country will be selected to represent their nation and present their original cocktail at the Global Finale in Paris, France.
Mexico City, Mexico on July 14, 2026
Toronto, Canada on July 30, 2026
Tampa, FL, USA on Aug 11, 2026
International Finale
Three finalists will ultimately earn a spot at the global finale in Paris in December 2026 for global recognition and cash prizes. So make sure your passport is ready!
Back to specifics about your Submission
To enter, you’ll need to develop an original cocktail that:
Embodies and reflects the 2026 theme of Timeless Twists
Recipe must include at least 10 ml (1/3 oz.) of a MONIN product and you can use multiple MONIN ingredients to layer your flavors but Paragon products do not count towards the 10 ml requirement
Showcases your creativity, technique, storytelling and personality
Of course, you’ll also need to:
Register for the competition
Submit your recipe and concept
Finalists will be invited to compete live, presenting their drink to judges. If you are a finalist, you must be available to compete July 30 in Toronto (Canada), July 14 in Mexico City (Mexico) July 14, or Aug 11 in Tampa (USA) and Dec 8 in Paris (Finalists).
You must prepare multiple identical servings during the live competition for the Regional Judges, using your own bar tools and glassware. If your work is chosen for the Global Finale, you must be able to present in English.
This is your chance to create something that truly represents your style as a bartender.
The Judging Scorecard
The Judges aren't looking for a basic ‘twist’ that feels like something they’ve tasted a thousand times before. They want originality that leaves them thirsty for more.
Cocktail creation will be evaluated across Four Pillars:
Concept & Theme (Originality) - How creatively did you twist the classic? Does your drink tell a compelling, authentic story?
Balance of Flavor - Is the drink technically flawless? Taste, aroma, texture, and structural balance must be perfectly dialed in.
Technical Skill & Execution - The judges will watch your workflow. Cleanliness, organization, speed, precise execution, and professional charisma behind the bar are vital.
Presentation & Communication - Can you captivate a room while pouring under intense pressure? Your presentation must be sharp, engaging, and delivered entirely in English.
The Prizes of the 2026 MONIN Cup extend far beyond a trophy. Entering this competition guarantees
Global Exposure: Step out from behind your local bar and place your craft directly in front of international media, legendary master mixologists, and global brand executives.
Creative Evolution: Push your mixology limits, experiment with cutting-edge profiles, and master the art of high-pressure conceptual development.
Elite Connections: Rub shoulders, swap techniques, and build lifelong networks with the most talented young bartenders and industry leaders from around the world.
Massive Cash Prizes: Beyond the prestige, regional finalists receive premium prize packages, and the global podium features substantial cash rewards to fund your future industry dreams:
€5,000 for 1st
€3,000 for 2nd
€2,000 for 3rd
Ready to shoot your shot?
Head to the official website, carefully review the full terms, rules, and local deadlines for your region, and lock in your registration.
Submit your Timeless Twist cocktail recipe, perfect your story, and show the world your concept of bridging the past and the future of cocktail culture looks like...Paris and Prizes are waiting! Sponsored and powered by MONIN.
About Monin Gourmet Flavoring
Founded in 1912 in Bourges, France, and family-owned and operated for three generations, MONIN is the premier provider of flavoring products for creating specialty beverages and elevated culinary solutions. With manufacturing facilities on three continents and product availability in more than 150 countries, Monin is recognized as the leading global flavor solution provider. For more information, visit MONIN.com.
*Details, dates, and locations are subject to change without notice. Monin reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel any aspect of the competition at its discretion. Make sure to review the 2026 MONIN Cup for the latest rules and regulations.
