<Contestants Announced!> MONIN Cup Japan 2026 Cocktail Competition Semifinalists Revealed

Nichifutsu Boeki K.K. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Guillaume Carreau) has selected 12 contestants for the 'MONIN CUP JAPAN 2026' cocktail competition following a rigorous screening process that included document review and, for the first time since the competition began in 2002, video submissions. This competition, which started in 2002, targets bartenders and food and beverage professionals aged 27 and under, providing a platform to compete through creativity and skill in crafting original cocktails using MONIN products. This year marks the 11th edition. The 2026 theme is 'TIMELESS TWISTS,' challenging participants to create a drink that connects the past and the future. The winner of the Japan tournament will advance to the Asian tournament, and the top three finishers in the Asian tournament will earn a ticket to the global finals held in France. We introduce the 12 contestants who will compete in the Japan tournament on June 17th. These next-generation mixologists, who respect the classics while challenging themselves with bold arrangements, have gathered to showcase their new expressions.