After a two-year hiatus, the prestigious global Flor de Caña Sustainable Cocktail Challenge is returning to the Czech Republic. It challenges bartenders to prove that top-class mixology can be not only creative but also truly sustainable.
Flor de Caña, a premium rum brand with certified carbon-neutral and Fair Trade production, is launching the sixth edition of its global Sustainable Cocktail Challenge. This year, the competition is once again open to the Czech bar scene and is seeking talent capable of combining craftsmanship, storytelling, and a responsible approach to ingredients and operations.
The competition has long served as a platform for sharing sustainable practices within the bar community, as well as a space for creativity and education. This year’s theme, “Sustainable Classic Cocktail”, is based on reinterpreting iconic drinks from the golden age of cocktails (1806–1919). Inspiration may be drawn from classics such as the Martinez, New York Sour, Clover Club, Last Word, Daiquiri, Martini, Manhattan, Sazerac, or El Presidente. However, the jury will also accept other recipes—provided that the entrant clearly justifies their historical context and sustainable concept.
Bartenders and bar staff working in the Czech Republic who are aged 18 or over are eligible to enter the competition. Each participant may submit one cocktail, which must contain at least 45 ml of Flor de Caña 12 Years rum. The recipe is limited to a maximum of six other ingredients, including garnishes. Each ingredient must meet at least one sustainability criterion—ranging from Fair Trade certification to local or seasonal sourcing, through to the use of ingredients in the spirit of zero waste. Another condition is that the cocktail must be served in a sustainable container, and the use of any other spirit with an alcohol content exceeding 25% ABV is prohibited.
Registration is open online from 13 May to 30 June 2026 on the competition’s official website, where the full rules are also available. Entries will be judged by a panel of experts based on story, creativity, sustainability, visual presentation, and social media engagement.
The Czech final will take place in late August or early September in Prague. Finalists will have seven minutes to prepare, serve, and present their cocktail, with the jury assessing taste, aroma, creativity, sustainability, and the overall concept. The winner will then head to the world final in Nicaragua, where they will compete against the best bartenders from around the world for the title of World’s Sustainable Cocktail Champion and a cash prize of $10,000.
The Flor de Caña brand, whose history dates back to 1890, has long been committed to sustainability and supporting local communities. Rum production uses 100% renewable energy, captures and recycles CO₂ emissions generated during fermentation, and has planted tens of thousands of trees every year since 2005. Fair Trade certification also confirms compliance with more than 300 social, labour, and environmental standards.
Source: Premier Wines & Spirits
