2026 OPEN COCKTAIL COMPETITION CLASSIC

A/ GENERAL RULES

The competition is open to any bartender of legal age, working or living in Belgium, as well as

students from hospitality schools and EFP & IFAPME training centers.

The number of participants is limited to 15 competitors.

First recipes received = first bartenders registered.

Registrations must be sent by email.

Registrations will be considered final only after receipt of the confirmation email.

The general theme of the competition is:

“Belgian Cities” (architecture, typical dishes, historical or famous figures, etc.).

Each participant must present one original cocktail of a minimum of 120 ml / 12 cl.

Any participant presenting a plagiarized recipe will be disqualified.

The cocktail may contain a maximum of 6 ingredients, including dashes and drops.

Citrus zests are not included in the ingredient count.

Only products from the UBB partners’ portfolios may be used (see attached list).

One homemade ingredient is allowed.

Its recipe must be submitted together with the cocktail recipe.

The cocktail preparation method is free:

mixing glass – shaker – direct build – electric blender (not provided).

The use of a jigger is left to the competitor’s discretion.

Recipes must be expressed in cl or ml.

Dashes and drops are reserved for bitters only.

The cocktail name must respect public decency and must not contain any religious, sexual, or

political connotation.

Dress code: free, clean, and decent.

B/ PERFORMANCE

Each participant must prepare five (5) identical glasses of their cocktail:

• Four (4) glasses for the judges

• One (1) glass for photos

Each participant must be able to explain the inspiration behind their cocktail.

Cocktails and garnishes must be prepared live in front of the judges.

Each participant must bring:

• Their own glassware (mandatory, without logo)

• Their own bar tools

• Their own products (spirits, liqueurs, juices, syrups, etc.)

• Their own garnishes and decorations

All decorations must be edible.

Each participant will have:

• 3 minutes to familiarize themselves with the workstation

• 15 minutes to prepare and garnish their cocktails in front of the judges

In case of a tie, the tasting score will determine the ranking.

If the tie persists, the garnish score will be considered, followed by the time of performance.

The judges’ decision is final and not subject to appeal.

C/ PRIZES – CLASSIC CATEGORY

• 1st Prize:

Selection to represent Belgium at the European Cocktail Championship (IBA)

✈ Travel and accommodation fully covered

• 2nd Prize:

€125, a bottle, and a medal

• 3rd Prize:

50€, a bottle and a medal

D/ PRIZES – STUDENT CATEGORY

• 1st Prize:

A bottle and a medal

• 2nd Prize:

A bottle and a medal

• 3rd Prize:

A bottle and a medal

E/ EVENT SCHEDULE

• 10:00 – 12:00

Classic Category Competition

• 12:00 – 12:30

Break / Judges deliberation

• 12:30 – 14:30

Guest Flair Show

• 15:00 – 16:00

Belgian Flair Category

• 17:00

Announcement of results and awards ceremony

G/ LOCATION & ACCESS

Competition venue:

Campus du Céria

Avenue Emile Gryson 1

1070 Anderlecht (Brussels) – Belgium

How to get there

From Brussels Airport (Zaventem):

• Train to Brussels-Midi / Zuid

• Metro line 2 or 6 direction Simonis / Elisabeth

• Stop CERIA / COOVI

By public transport (Brussels):

• Metro lines 2 & 6 – stop CERIA / COOVI

• Tram 82 – stop CERIA

By car:

• Easy access via the Brussels Ring (R0)

• Parking available near the campus (subject to availability)