MONIN, the leading syrup brand in the UK on-trade and a trusted partner for hospitality professionals all over the world[1], has announced the 2026 return of the MONIN Cup competition.
The competition encourages young bartenders aged between 18–27 from across the world to showcase their talent by creating their very own serves using MONIN products. UK based bartenders are invited to enter the national competition, to be in with a chance to progress through to the regional stages and ultimately have a chance to compete on a global stage in the Paris finale.
The theme of the 2026 MONIN Cup is Timeless Twists, in which entrants are encouraged to look to the past for inspiration, through honouring classic mixology techniques and exploring the stories behind the well-loved iconic serves of today. Whether infusing local traditions with a modern spin or reinventing classic recipes with contemporary tools, competitors must create a drink that captures the nostalgic spirit of the past while pushing the boundaries of modern bartending.
The winner of the UK Finale will receive an exclusive experience and a paid trip to the European Finale in London, as well as a paid trip to Athens Bar Show. The top seven contestants from the European Finale will then win a paid trip to Paris to compete in the MONIN Cup World Finale in December 2026. Here, they will compete against finalists from around the world for the grand prize of £5,000.
More than just a competition, the MONIN Cup offers young bartenders the chance to develop their craft and gain recognition within the global drinks industry. Competitors can refine their presentation, technique and flavour development while connecting with likeminded bartenders and industry experts, using MONIN’s extensive portfolio of products to craft innovative serves.
Oscar Perry, winner of 2024 MONIN Cup, said: “If you’re a young bartender looking for a platform to show off your creativity and build relationships with your peers, then I highly encourage entering. It’s one of the few truly global, and accessible competitions out there and I still talk to bartenders that I competed against most weeks.
“This year’s brief is a format which provides a blank canvas for buckets of your own expression, and my advice would be to keep it personal. Show off yourself through your drink, and don’t hesitate to take your idea as far as possible. This year’s MONIN Cup UK champion should seek to reframe the boundaries of what was previously imagined possible!”
Tony Kousoulou, Beverage Expert at MONIN, added: “MONIN Cup is a valuable opportunity for young bartenders to gain experience, offering the next generation of talent the opportunity to challenge themselves on a global professional stage. We’re looking forward to seeing how entrants respond to the theme through reinterpreting classic flavours and techniques in ways that feel fresh, modern and inspiring.”
To enter the MONIN Cup 2026, please follow this link:
Entries for MONIN Cup 2026 are open until 30 April 2026, with regional winners selected in May. The UK Finale will take place in Manchester on 22–23 June 2026, followed by the European Finale in London on 26 October and the World Finale in Paris on 8–9 December 2026.
Every valid UK entry will receive a complimentary bottle of MONIN.
