"Suntory The Bartender Award 2026" Applications Open from Monday, June 1st

SUNTORY The Bartender Award 2026 Logo

Suntory Co., Ltd. will hold "Suntory The Bartender Award 2026". Applications will open from Monday, June 1st, and the winner will be decided at the final on Tuesday, October 20th.

Aiming to create and develop Western liquor culture, our company held Japan's first cocktail competition in 1931, and since 1994, we have continuously held cocktail competitions representing Japan. Last year, the competition concept was refreshed, and it was held as "Suntory The Bartender Award," focusing on the appeal of cocktails and the bartenders who create them.

This time, to make the competition more attractive to a wider range of bartenders, we will enhance the winner's benefits, such as increasing the prize money and inviting them to international events.

― Details ―

▼ Name "Suntory The Bartender Award 2026"

▼ Schedule <Application Period> From 10:00 on Monday, June 1, 2026, to 15:00 on Friday, July 10, 2026

<Document Screening> Late July 2026

<Semifinal> Monday, August 31, 2026 Venue: Suntory World Headquarters (Minato-ku, Tokyo)

<Final and Awards Ceremony> Tuesday, October 20, 2026 Venue: Fairmont Tokyo (Minato-ku, Tokyo)

▼ Theme "A Japanese cocktail you want to share with the world"

▼ Overall Evaluation Items for this Competition <Cocktail Deliciousness> - High quality of "taste" and "aroma" of original cocktails - Refined "appearance" beauty that does not rely on excessive decoration

<Consistency of Theme and Cocktail> - Ability to create cocktails that align with the theme

<Presentation> - Ability to eloquently and attractively describe original cocktails and the brands used in their own words

<Hospitality> - Ability to smoothly serve cocktails tailored to customer needs - Ability to provide a comfortable place and experience for customers

▼ Challenge Products - Suntory Japanese Craft Gin "ROKU" - Suntory Japanese Craft Vodka "HAKU" - Suntory Liqueur "KANÁDE" 4 types (Yuzu, Sakura, Matcha, White Peach) - SUNTORY WHISKY "Ao" *At least one product must be used. Infusion (e.g., steeping fruits or herbs in alcohol to add flavor) is not allowed.

▼ Usable Products - All Suntory products are usable. (Products manufactured, sold, or imported by Suntory Holdings Limited and Suntory Allied Limited, and handled as of Friday, July 10, 2026) - For categories not handled by Suntory products, other companies' products or homemade ingredients (alcohol content less than 1%) may also be used. - The use of garnish is optional. Decorations unrelated to the taste or aroma of the cocktail are not subject to judging.

▼ Eligibility Bartenders working at bars, hotels, restaurants, or equivalent, who are 20 years old or older at the time of application.

▼ Application Method Please enter the challenge cocktail recipe, etc., via the web form and apply by attaching an image of your work.

▼ Award Benefits <Winner (1 person)> - Prize money: 2 million yen - Overseas training - Participation in international events

▼ "Suntory The Bartender Award" Homepage http://suntory.jp/award/ *Please check here for details