Celebrating 40 years of excellence with $40,000 in prizes!
This year also marks 40 years since Club Suntory was established in 1986, and this year’s program highlights the theme of “Celebration”.
Hospitality professionals from all backgrounds are invited to participate in this year’s competition, with the challenge to design a cocktail that reflects a chosen celebratory occasion – something joyful, memorable and thoughtfully crafted – that brings people together.
Suntory Oceania head of Advocacy, John Galiatsatos, says, “From its inception, Club Suntory has been dedicated to creating opportunities for others to shine. I can’t wait to see how our community embodies this year’s theme of celebration, and how the next generation will continue the legacy of excellence and creativity that Club Suntory represents throughout Australia.”
Celebrating Suntory Cup’s most prestigious prize
Commemorating Club Suntory’s 40 years, this year the two winners will share a prize of $40,000.
The prize includes an unforgettable trip to Europe, featuring a visit to Edinburgh and Islay, the home of Suntory Global Spirits’ distinguished Scotch brands, Laphroaig and Bowmore. Winners will also attend the Athens Bar Show and receive a cash prize of $10,000 each.
Entrants can compete in one of two categories based on their level of experience:
Club Omoroi: for bartenders with two years or more of experience behind the bar.
Club Yatte Minahare: for those with less than two years of experience in drink preparation.
One lucky winner will be crowned in each category. Additionally, five state-based People’s Choice winners will be selected, each receiving a trip to Sydney to attend the Suntory Cup Grand Final in September.
Key Dates
Phase One
Entries open: 16 March-19 May 2026 (www.club.suntory.com)
National Top 80 announcement: 8 June 2026
Judging Criteria:
The Suntory Serve (40%): cocktail name, specifications, garnish and methodology.
Storytelling (40%): the inspiration and narrative behind your creation.
Cocktail Presentation (20%): the beauty and composition of your cocktail in a photo.
Phase Two:
In-venue promotional activity (throughout July), followed by Suntory Showdown events across August (Monday and Tuesday). Showdowns will take place in Sydney (for NSW/ACT finalists), Melbourne (for VIC/TAS finalists), Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane (for QLD/NT finalists) – exact dates TBC.
Phase Three:
Grand Final: 12-13 September 2026
Winner Prize Trip: late October/November 2026
For full terms and conditions and entry details, visit www.club.suntory.com. Follow @clubsuntoryoceania for updates on educational masterclasses, events and competition announcements designed to inspire and empower our community. 
*Two winners. Each winner receives $10,000 cash plus a trip to Europe valued at $10,000.
Club Suntory team: info@clubsuntory.com
Local state Brand Ambassadors
Callum Dann (QLD/NT): callum.dann@beamsuntory.com
Ella Jones (NSW/ACT): ella.jones@beamsuntory.com
Kevin Griffin (VIC/TAS): kevin.griffin@beamsuntory.com
Mitch Gurrin (WA/SA): mitch.gurrin@beamsuntory.com