Japanese Shochu brand, iichiko is calling on bartenders from Los Angeles to New York City to create the best cocktail using the brand’s Saiten expression, a high-ABV shochu crafted specifically for the modern bartender.

The competition asks entrants to spotlight the spirit while also showcasing a level of creativity that further establishes iichiko Saiten, and shochu as a category, as a major contender in the cocktail industry.

“We’re thrilled to be part of iichiko Irodori as it gives us a unique opportunity to showcase the versatility of the iichiko Saiten brand,” said Tetsuro Miyazaki, General Manager of iichiko Shochu. “The team looks forward to connecting with bartenders across the country who share our passion for shochu.”

Crafted specifically for the modern bartender, Michiko Saiten is an honkaku shochu, the highest grade of shochu, offering a full-flavoured expression of shochu that is perfect for cocktails at 43% ABV. Saiten exudes rich umami notes of jasmine tea, white peach, minerals, and earth, along with citrus and a saline finish.

The competition’s finalists will be announced in March and will face off at the Grand Finale events held at some of the United States’ most celebrated bars—Thunderbolt in Los Angeles, and Bar Goto in New York. Entrants will compete for the grand prize of an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan, including a guest shift at a top Tokyo bar, a visit to the iichiko distillery, and a $1,500 cash prize.

Competition Guidelines and Grand Prize

• Entrant Eligibility

  • Residents of New York or Los Angeles (surrounding areas also acceptable; travel costs not included should entrants advance to the final round)

  • One entry per person

• Judging Criteria

  • All cocktails must contain a minimum of 1oz/30ml of iichiko Saiten

  • A maximum of 6 ingredients

  • All garnishes must be edible

  • Overall flavour and deliciousness

  • Creativity and originality

  • Low waste

• Submission Deadlines & Winner Announcements

  • Round One: (January 10th – January 31st, 2025): Written submission, submitted online here

  • Round Two: (February 4th – February 18th): Video submission

  • Grand Finale:

    • New York City (March 16th at Bar Goto): In-person competition

    • Los Angeles (March 18th at Thunder Bolt): In-person competition

• Prizes

  • First Place: All expenses paid trip to Japan, with a guest shift in Tokyo, visit to iichiko distillery, and $1,500 USD cash prize

  • Second Place: $800 USD cash prize

  • Third Place: $400 cash prize

For more information, go to iichiko.com and/ or follow the brand via @iichiko.shochu

Global Rum brand Havana Club has announced the second instalment of its team competition: Havana Club Cocktail Maestros.

The contest will take bartending teams from across Europe, Asia, and the Americas on a journey through national qualifications and regional challenges. Then, they will embark on an inspirational trip to Havana to discover Cuba’s vibrant energy and the brand’s unique cultural legacy. 

“Havana Club and mixology share an entwined history,” explained Maxime Chevalier, Senior Brand Advocacy Manager at Havana Club. “It’s safe to say that the rum category and Havana Club would not be where it is today without the support and creative energy of the bartending community. 

“This competition is a chance for us to give back and provide a platform to the incredibly talented bartenders around the world. Much more than a cocktail contest, Havana Club Cocktail Maestros brings the community together through shared cultural experiences, in-depth brand education and training. 

“It’s an opportunity for us to take those at the heart of industry on a journey through Havana Club’s rich and diverse heritage and the artistry behind our exceptional rums.”

With a €10,000 prize for the winning team, the competition will reward creativity, flavour, and team spirit. Unlike the inaugural competition, contestants can now partner with someone from a different venue within the same country, fostering long-term connections across the industry. 

The top 10 teams from each country will progress to the national finals, where they’ll create a Cuban afro-Latin-inspired cocktail for a dedicated local jury. 

For the regional stage, teams will meet for a series of training sessions and challenges. They’ll learn to work together in stimulating environments, guided by regional industry mentors. Then, they’ll begin accumulating points before jetting off to Havana for the final stage of the contest in April 2026. 

The four-day finals in Cuba will allow contestants to immerse themselves in the passion of the city and its lively bar scene, as well as the craftsmanship and culture that’s captured in every bottle of Havana Club. Teams will also partake in the Great Havana Hustle challenge, testing their skills over the course of a unique bar shift, showcasing their expertise, hospitality, and teamwork abilities. 

A panel of industry icons, including world-renowned drinks figure Sandrae Lawrence and friend of the brand Simone Caporale, will decide the grand winners, pending the announcement of the last trio member. 

Competition details and dates within each territory are now available on the Havana Club website. Follow the link to enter and the chance to be crowned “Havana Club Cocktail Maestros”: https://havana-club.com/en/havana-club-cocktail-maestros/.

Modern London Whisk(e)y bar Dram is collaborating with Dublin’s Bar 1661 to celebrate Burns Night next week with a two-day takeover tour through London and Dublin.

Dram x Bar 1661 will offer guests a traditional Burns Night celebration, featuring delicious cocktails, haggis, and plenty of Drams to try.

Kicking off on Sunday 26^th, in the heart of London, Dram will play host to Bar 1661, who will, of course, bring a little National Irish Coffee Day to the event. Bar 1661 will serve their signature drink, “The Belfast Coffee”, which can be enjoyed alongside a delicious selection of drams.

The celebration will continue on Monday 27^th, with the Dram team heading to Dublin, where they will take over BAR 1661 for the evening. From 6pm onwards, guests can expect a delicious cocktail offering showcasing Dram’s signature style of uniquely delicious cocktails.

For more information, connect with the bars via @dram.ldn & @1661bar

Award-winning London bar Scarfes Bar, Rosewood, in partnership with The Lakes Distillery, will host Bar Leone from Hong Kong for an exclusive takeover on Wednesday, 29th January, from 6pm onwards.

Bringing a taste of Italian-inspired mixology to the heart of London, the night will feature co-founder and bartender Lorenzo Antinori and offer a multisensory journey complemented by Scarfes Bar’s live music and artistic setting.

Blending Scarfes Bar’s artistic ambience with Bar Leone’s signature brand and Italian-inspired cocktails, the drinks will consist of a selection of four cocktails, highlighting high-quality seasonal ingredients and low-intervention techniques. These will, of course, be accompanied by Bar Leone’s bar snacks, Smoked Olives and Mortadella Focaccia.

The first of the cocktails will be Il Cacciatore is a zesty blend of The Lakes Classic Gin, Bianco Vermouth, Mastika, Cherry Tomato and Lemon.

Also featured will be Bitter Yuzu Highball is a refreshing serve featuring The Lakes The One Fine Blended, Yuzu Sake, Bitter Fusetti and Soda.

Fig Leaf Negroni is a unique twist on the classic with The Lakes Classic Gin, Fig Leaf Vermouth and Campari.

Finally, Caffe’ Paradiso is a complex and rich serve, showcasing The Lakes Whiskeymaker’s Reserve No.7 with Cold Brew Coffee, Amaro, Honey, Salted Cream and Green Cardamon. 

Guests can expect an engaging experience, as Lorenzo’s flair for storytelling adds depth to the evening, creating connections through the drinks, their inspiration and the ambience of Scarfes Bar. 

For more information, go to scarfesbar.com or connect with the bar social via @scarfesbar

Award-winning Barcelona bar Paradiso has announced the return of its fourth annual Paradiso Sustainability Summit, in partnership with Ketel One.

Hosted by the bar’s founder Giacomo Giannotti, the Summit will be held on Sunday 30^th March 2025 at Barcelona’s green event space Palo Alto. The event will feature some of the biggest names in the global bar community and will be accompanied by a public cocktail festival designed to showcase the finest sustainable brands, bars and cocktails from around the world.

“I am delighted that we are once again able to bring together the drinks industry’s most innovative minds to share their expertise on sustainable practises,” explained Giannotti. “Our goal with the summit is not just to spark discussion for the global community but also to create a platform where we drive greater change for our local community.”

The Summit’s programme of seminars and events will address issues of “Social Sustainability”, exploring topics such as diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment, alongside our most significant environmental challenges.

Last year’s event saw over 1,500 attendees, featuring several venues from The World’s 50 Best Bars list, including Himkok, Tres Monos and Alquímico, amongst many others, alongside some of Barcelona’s most exciting concepts such as Creps Al Born and Dr. Stravinsky.

For more information, go to paradiso.cat or connect with the bar via @paradiso_barcelona

Global brand 1800 Tequila has announced the 12th edition of its “Essential Artist Series,” an artist-led limited-edition bottle collaboration program that pushes the boundaries of taste in tequila and life.

This new collection features six original works of art by Mexican multimedia artist Raúl de Nieves. It celebrates the many facets of de Nieves’ Mexican heritage and identity.

The collection includes six exclusive bottles featuring original artwork by de Nieves. It is an extension of his “A Window to the See, a Spirit Star Chiming in the Wind of Wonder…” installation in the Henry Art Gallery at the University of Washington.

The collection symbolizes the relationship between the earth realm and the ancestral one through a celestial landscape of infinite possibilities. Each design represents a character on a journey of self-discovery. At the neck of the 1800 Tequila bottle lies the” Sagrado Corazón,” the heart of hours, days, and memories that come with life.

“Being Mexican has always been at the forefront of my identity, so I am incredibly honoured for 1800 Tequila, a brand that makes it a priority to spotlight Mexican voices, to have selected me as this year’s Essential Artist,” said Raúl de Nieves.

“Similar to 1800 Tequila, my culture is my craft. I am beyond excited to unveil this collaboration to the world and bring Mexican culture to a global stage through this partnership.”

The 12^th iteration of the Essential Artist Series furthers the brand’s ongoing commitment to support emerging and established artists who have impacted culture. Championing Mexican culture, de Nieves’s artwork fuses traditional Mexican craft with storytelling. 

“As the tequila category grows, 1800 Tequila maintains its leadership as the world’s most awarded tequila and a historic Mexican brand that prioritises taste across both tequila and culture. This decades-long art project has produced accessible art collectables for our fans, collaborating with some of the world’s most culturally relevant artists,” said Lander Otegui, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Proximo Spirits.

“We are proud to have an Essential Artist such as Raúl de Nieves join us this year to explore and introduce our multi-faceted and colourful Mexican culture to a U.S. audience.”

The 1800 Tequila Essential Artist Series 12 featuring Raúl de Nieves’ bespoke bottle collection is now available at 1800Tequila.com and in limited quantities in-store nationwide.