For centuries, Indonesia was one of the world’s great rum-producing regions. Its sugarcane, spices and island traditions helped shape a rich rum-making culture long before many of today’s better-known rum destinations emerged. Yet somehow, that story has been largely forgotten beyond its shores.
Nusa Caña exists to change that.
The Indonesian Rum Revival is more than a cocktail competition. It’s an invitation for bartenders across Australia to reconnect with one of rum’s overlooked origins, tell stories through great drinks, and become part of a global community built around hospitality, creativity and cultural exchange.
At the heart of this year’s competition is Nusa Caña Coconut Rum. Bartenders are invited to create an original cocktail that heroes the spirit, drawing inspiration from Indonesia’s people, produce, places and traditions. The brief is intentionally broad: create something delicious, tell us why it matters, and bring your guests along for the journey.
To enter, competitors simply need to create a cocktail featuring a minimum of 45mL of Nusa Caña Coconut Rum, share the drink and the story behind it on Instagram, then put the cocktail on their venue menu throughout August. From there, judges will shortlist standout entries before visiting finalist venues to experience the cocktails as guests would, ultimately selecting one national winner.
The prize reflects what Nusa Caña values most: genuine connection.
The winning bartender will receive an immersive trip to Bali for two, including return flights, accommodation, food and drinks, and a one-night guest shift at a leading local venue. More than a holiday, it’s an opportunity to experience Indonesian hospitality firsthand, build relationships within Bali’s bar community and gain a deeper understanding of the culture that inspires the brand.
It’s a model Nusa Caña has embraced around the world. Similar competitions in the UK and Thailand have seen winners travel to Bali, stepping behind bars alongside local teams and forging lasting connections with the hospitality community. In Indonesia, the competition took on a different form, with the winning bartender travelling to Sydney alongside Nusa Caña Global Brand Ambassador Dre Masso, to share Indonesian rum culture with Australian bartenders.
These experiences are designed to create something that lasts far beyond the final judging score: a community of bartenders connected by curiosity, generosity and a shared love of great hospitality.
Because the best cocktail competitions don’t end with a trophy.
They open doors, spark ideas and create friendships that stretch across borders.
This isn’t just a cocktail competition.
It’s a revival.
For more details check us out on Instagram @altus.brands