Lustau Solera Standout Competition
All of Lustau's sherries, brandies and vermouths are made using the genuine solera and criaderas system. With this in mind, the House of Lustau challenged bartenders to create a cocktail using any product from its solera-aged collection and on 11 September the judges have announced the 2026 winner and runners up.
1st place – Old Seville
By: Evan Losselyoung
Bar: Boka, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Comment: This cocktail stood out in this "Standout" competition due to the use of both Brandy de Jerez and amontillado sherry. A luxuriant, bittersweet, Spanish Manhattan.
View the recipe
2nd place – Pura Raza Española
By: Robert Weeks
Bar: Bisou Bisou, Montreal, Canada
Comment: This "dry summer-style Manhattan" is based on Manzanilla and notably uses amaro, tequila and champagne vinegar to add complexity.
View the recipe
3rd place – Second Breakfast
By: Oscar McDonald
Bar: The Gresham, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Comment: A well-balanced Manzanilla Sherry Sour, inspired by a Corpse Reviver, and balanced by rich honey and herbal liqueur.
View the recipe
Many thanks to all the bartenders who entered, you can see all 15 Finalists here, and the Top 50 here.
Prizes
Because some things simply can't be understood from a book or a bar counter. Walking through the bodegas and tasting from the cask is the best way to grasp the magic and uniqueness of this brand. The winning bartender will travel to Jerez to experience the home of Lustau first hand. The prize includes a trip to the Sherry region, and a short internship-style stay with the Lustau team, offering the chance to explore the cellars, meet the people behind the wines and spirits, and discover Lustau's know-how.
In addition, two runner-ups will receive a seat on the Certified Sherry Wine Specialist (CSWS®) course, the internationally recognised certification program dedicated to the study of sherry wines and their production.
About the competition
The Solera Standout focuses on raising awareness to the importance of the presence of solera-crafted products in the cocktail world. It aims to discover new contemporary classic cocktails that harness and showcase solera-aged diversity. The ultimate goal is to create cocktails that feel modern and contemporary yet timeless, and that can be easily recreated by both professional bartenders and home cocktail enthusiasts around the world.
Inspirational resources
- Difford's Sherry Cocktails Hub
- Sherry Journey for all things sherry and sherry cocktails
- Sherry Explorer
- Certified Sherry Wines Specialist Course
Key Dates
June 1st, 2026 – Competition opened for entries
July 17th, 2026, midnight G.M.T. – Competition closed for entries
July 31st, 2026 – Shortlist of top 50 announced
August 14th, 2026 – Top 15 Finalists announced. Each will be asked to produce a film of up to 3 minutes (this can be made using a phone), showing them making their cocktail, to be shared on Lustau's and Difford's platforms.
August 28th, 2026 – Top 15 cocktails will be carefully made exactly according to the recipes submitted and considered by a panel of judges comprised of Lustau ambassadors and Simon Difford. (Competitors not present.)
September 11th, 2026 – Winner and runners-up announced.
Judging
A panel of judges, including Simon Difford and all Lustau ambassadors reviewed the 15 finalist cocktails along with their one-minute videos. Each entry was evaluated not only on creativity, but on its potential to become a modern classic behind the bar.
The highest scores will go to drinks that deliver great flavour while remaining simple enough to be easily recreated by bartenders and enthusiasts alike around the world. In short: great flavour, smart simplicity, and a cocktail people will actually want to make again.
