MONIN Cup Returns with ‘Timeless Twists’ in 2026 Theme and North American Qualifying Events

MONIN Cup is back for its eighth edition in 2026, challenging the next generation of bartenders to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation through this year’s theme, “Timeless Twists.”

Clearwater, Florida-based Monin Americas will host the North American qualifying rounds, giving bartenders from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico the opportunity to earn a coveted spot at the global finale in Paris this December.

Launched in 2012, the MONIN Cup has become a premier international platform for emerging bartenders, encouraging competitors to showcase technical skill, creativity, and storytelling through original beverage concepts featuring MONIN products.

For 2026, competitors are tasked with looking to the past for inspiration while creating something distinctly modern. The “Timeless Twists” theme challenges participants to revive forgotten flavors, honor classic techniques, and uncover the stories behind iconic serves before reimagining them through contemporary ingredients, presentation, and innovation.

The competition begins with a virtual submission process, where participants submit an original recipe along with a brief biography detailing their experience and inspiration. A panel of MONIN beverage experts will review entries and select top competitors to advance to live semi-final rounds.

Semi-final events will take place throughout the summer, beginning July 14 in Mexico City, followed by July 30 in Toronto, and concluding August 11 in Tampa, Florida, for competitors from the United States and Puerto Rico.

Finalists from each regional event will advance to the global finale on December 8 in Paris, where they will compete against rising bartending talent from around the world.

Open to working bartenders and bar school students age 27 and under, the MONIN Cup continues to serve as a launchpad for emerging talent while celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship shaping the future of the beverage industry.

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Recap: North America Qualifying Rounds

In the first virtual stage of the competition, registered participants will submit an original recipe inspired by the Timeless Twists theme, along with a brief bio highlighting their experience and inspiration. 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: July 14 in Mexico City
• Canada: July 30 in Toronto, Ontario
• U.S. and Puerto Rico: August 11 in Tampa, Florida

Selected participants will then compete for a chance to advance, presenting their original recipes live to a panel of judges while showcasing both technical skill and creative vision. Three finalists will ultimately earn a spot at the global finale on December 8 in Paris, France.

Award Packages

Semi-final participants will receive prize packages and a cash award in recognition of their performance. At the international finale, winners will receive €5,000 for first place, €3,000 for second, and €2,000 for third.

Rules and Regulations

• Competitors must be working bartenders or bar school students.
• Participants must be 27 years old or younger to compete in the final.
• Eligible recipes must contain at least 10 mL of an approved Monin product.
• All stages of the competition will be conducted in English only.