Pictured above: Last year’s winners, Sons of Cuba from Athens
One letter comes to mind when we think about Havana Club Cocktail Maestros: that’s ‘C’. As in connection, community, collaboration and culture. Obviously, it takes in creativity, cocktails and the competition itself, and then of course, there’s Cuba. Oh, and a big fat cheque for a very nice €10,000 for the winners if you please.
As judges, we saw how all of these elements came into play in the inaugural Havana Club Cocktail Maestros competition last year, and a little birdie tells us that they will be very much in the forefront in the second edition which launches today.
Read on to find out what’s what…
1. What’s the story?
Once again, Havana Club are making it their mission to bring the global bartending community together through all of the ‘Cs’ mentioned above. But there’s more. Spread over an 16 month period, running from entry in January 2025 through to the global finals in April 2026, much of that time will focus on a dedicated education programme designed to support and inspire everyone taking part.
And we have to say, it’s worth it. The taking part we mean. The winners of their respective regional finals are guaranteed a trip to Havana for the global finals and four days of cultural immersion in one of the most vibrant cities in the world.
Last year the itinerary took in a range of super cool experiences, including an exclusive tour of the San José Distillery led by the Maestros del Ron Cuban; a tour of a very different kind, this time through the city in the fun and fabulous yellow Bubble taxis; a boxing session with elite Cuban trainers; getting behind the bar at La Floridita, and it wouldn’t have been a visit to Havana without riding in one of the colourful, classic 1950s cars.
If it sounds like fun, that’s because it was and HCCM#2 looks like it’s going to be even bigger and better, with competitors from across Europe, Asia and the Americas in the mix.
2. What’s the entry process?
We’ll get on to that bit in a minute. You may have noticed that we mentioned that the €10,000 cheque was for the winners – not win-ner. That’s because the first thing you have to do is is buddy up with someone. Unlike most cocktail competitions, this is very much a team affair. Last year, Havana Club Cocktail Maestros was all about partnering with someone who worked in your bar, this time you can cross pollinate, teaming up with a bartender from any bar in the country – that could be a friend, someone whose talents you admire or maybe you have a sibling who works in another venue? The choice is yours (and theirs, obvs), the ultimate aim is to foster community across the industry and prove that old adage of two heads being better than one to be correct.
3. What’s next?
You and your teammate have to devise a serve. Naturally, the base needs to be made up of Havana Club rum – at least 30mls of Cuba’s finest. Then this is where your creativity comes in, you have to create a delicious, beautifully balanced cocktail using two homemade ingredients (excluding garnish): one of which can be completely your choice, the other must be Afro-Latin inspired – think ingredients reflecting African, Spanish, Caribbean traditions, such as cumin, tamarind, cardamom, cocoa and limes.
Once you’ve both happy with your drink, it’s time to get your entry in! Simply head to havana-club.com/en/havana-club-cocktail-maestros and submit your recipe, together with two photographs, one of your cocktail with the Havan Club bottle and one of your team, serve and Havana Club bottle before by the required date in your region (see havana-club.com/en/hccm2-applications) for specific dates. Then keep everything crossed.
4. What are the various competition stages?
All entries will first be judged by paper and the top 10 will get a chance to show off their skills IRL at their national finals. The winning team will go on to the regionals for another new element to the competition – a series of training sessions spread over two days where they’ll work together and accumulate points before heading off to Cuba in 2026.
5. What they’re saying
“This competition is a chance for us to give back and provide a platform to the incredibly talented bartenders around the world,” says Maxime Chevalier, Senior Brand Advocacy Manager, Havana Club. “Much more than a cocktail contest, Havana Club Cocktail Maestros brings the community together through shared cultural experiences, in-depth brand education and training.
“It’s an opportunity for us to take the pioneers of the industry on a journey through Havana Club’s rich and diverse heritage, its unique Cuban spirit, and the artistry behind our exceptional rums.”
6. What’s the timeline?
2025
15 January: Global launch (see havana-club.com/en/hccm2-applications for entry dates for your specific region
Around March: Paper judging and Top 10 teams from each country announced depending on local calendars
From March to June: National Final Judging and national winners announcement
October/November: Two-day training sessions and challenges for Regional Finalists
2026
April: Havana Club Cocktail Maestros Global Finals in Cuba
Throughout the process, there will be a dedicated education programme designed to support and inspire everyone taking part.
7. What you need to do
To find out more about the competition and how to enter, visit havana-club.com/en/hccm2-applications
Good luck!
