The road to Havana for Havana Club Cocktail Maestros

National Finals

The best bartender duos from 25 countries competed in their national finals, having earned their place by submitting Cuban-inspired cocktails that capture the flavour, energy, and artistry at the heart of Havana Club. Judged at live events or in-bar, this national stage saw teams present their creations to a panel of local industry leaders. Teams were scored on taste, flair, and presentation, as well as their chemistry and ability to hero the quality and versatility of Havana Club's portfolio.

Regional Challenges

The Global Finalists teams headed to their Regional Challenges: three events held across Europe, Asia, and the Americas for the bar teams in each region. These two-day experiences were designed to enhance the teams' skills and deepen their collaborative mindset.

Alongside cocktail challenges, participants have received mentorship from acclaimed figures in the global bar community and participated in educational sessions rooted in Havana Club's heritage, craft, and cultural significance, ensuring they are equipped for the final stage. Points earned during these Regional Challenges will contribute to each team's overall final score in the competition's Global Final in Havana.

Asia-Pacific Regional Challenge

Shanghai kicked off the regional journey as Havana Club took over the SIP Supernova 2025 Competition, hosting an exclusive "Havana Day" at the Fosun Foundation. The ten national winning teams, guided by world-renowned bartender Simone Caporale, tackled the Cuban Mode challenge, creating cocktails inspired by Havana's resourceful spirit using homemade elements and local ingredients.

To build momentum across the region, Havana Club also launched a dedicated Asia Tour in November 2025, spotlighting finalists through collaborative guest shifts. From Bangkok and Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City and Dubai, each takeover brought Cuban warmth and hospitality to leading cocktail hubs across Asia while strengthening connections established in Shanghai.

European Regional Challenge

Berlin welcomed 15 national winning teams for an unforgettable European Challenge. Under the eye of judges Maria Kontorravdis, Ian Burrell and Stefan Adrian, bartenders showcased exceptional techniques and distinctly European interpretations of Cuban-inspired mixology. Through the 3-day event that brought all teams together for challenges, experiences, and insightful education.

Performances were separated by the narrowest of margins, including a dramatic tie awarded to Portugal and France for first place on the first Liquid Harmony challenge. Shared dinners, bar tours, and creative exchanges reinforced the community spirit that defines Cocktail Maestros.

Americas Regional Challenge

The Americas Regional Finals brought the journey to Bogotá, where teams from Colombia, Mexico, Cuba and Canada gathered for three days of challenges, creativity and cultural exchange. With judges Ángel Solórzano, Luna Orellano, and Noah Matthies, bartenders took on the Liquid Harmony and Cuban Mode challenges, showcasing the region's diversity and talent.

A standout moment came as the Cuban team claimed the Liquid Harmony win via online participation – proof that Cuban creativity carries far beyond the island. Throughout the weekend, bartenders shared stories, techniques, and traditions, capturing the warm spirit at the heart of Havana Club.

Across every region, we've seen bartenders pour their culture, their talent and their corazón into this competition. Cocktail Maestros is all about community – a celebration of creativity, hospitality and the stories that bring people together. We're incredibly proud of the spirit shown across Asia, Europe and the Americas, and it's inspiring to see Havana Club resonate so strongly with the bartending community around the world.Now all roads lead back to where it all began: Havana, where the stage is set for the global finals of Havana Club Cocktail Maestros 2026.

Alfredo Guerra, Global Brand Ambassador for Havana Club

The Global Final in Havana

From the moment they arrive in Cuba, the winning teams will be immersed in the unique world of Cuban rum through the people, places and history that shape Havana Club. The global finals will culminate in "The Great Havana Hustle" – a one-night-only shift in the heart of Havana's legendary bar scene. Finalists will be challenged to embody the spirit of Cuba through exceptional cocktails, storytelling and the unmistakable warmth of Cuban hospitality.

One team will be crowned as the 2nd Havana Club Cocktail Maestros Champions, taking home the €10,000 prize and a set of crystal decanters of Havana Club Icónica Máximo. However, every finalist will leave Cuba with a deep connection to the country and a global network of bartenders-turned-friends, all forged through their Cuban rum journey.

This is a rare opportunity for bartenders to elevate their craft on a global stage through mentorship, cultural exchange and hands-on experiences. Havana Club Cocktail Maestros aims to create a space for professional growth, meaningful industry connections and a deeper understanding of what Havana Club represents for Cuban rum – all while celebrating the talent and creativity that drive our industry forward.

Maxime Chevalier, Senior Brand Manager for Havana Club

See the 2026 Global Finalists