Think you’ve got what it takes to be Australia’s next Bartender of the Year? Entries are still open for the 2026 competition, taking place during Sydney Bar Week on Tuesday 15 September at Razz Room.
Proudly sponsored by Spirits Platform’s Spirits Academy, Bartender of the Year returns from 12pm to 5pm, putting competitors through one of the industry’s toughest all-round tests.
The competition is designed to go well beyond making a good cocktail, testing technical knowledge, palate, creativity, consistency and the ability to perform under pressure.
It all starts with a one-hour written exam covering spirits, cocktails, technique and broader industry knowledge. Competitors are encouraged to revisit previous issues of Australian Bartender and last year’s exam as part of their preparation.
Next comes the tasting round, where aroma recognition and flavour identification will put each competitor’s palate to the test.
From there, the top eight move through to the Randomised Challenge. Each competitor will be randomly assigned one Cointreau cocktail and one Highland Park cocktail from a set list, with both drinks required to be recreated to a high standard.
The round will test recall, technique, consistency and how competitors perform in front of both the judges and the audience.
The field will then be cut to three finalists, who will return that evening during the Top 100 Most Influential Party from 6pm for the final challenge.
Each finalist will have 10 minutes to prepare two cocktails, including one featuring Cointreau and one featuring Highland Park, both using a minimum 30ml pour. All additional ingredients and equipment must be supplied by the finalists themselves, and once time is called, the drinks go straight to the judges.
All three finalists will receive a complimentary ticket to the Australian Bar Awards, where the 2026 Bartender of the Year winner will be announced on Wednesday 16 September at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf.
If you’ve been thinking about entering, there is still time to put your name forward and see how you stack up against some of the country’s best bartenders.
Bartender of the Year 2026
Tuesday 15 September 2026
Rounds 1–3: 12pm–5pm
Final round: From 6pm during the Top 100 Most Influential Party
Razz Room
18–20 York Street, Sydney
Entries are still open. Click here to enter.