The Empire Mixology Contests celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation across the world of mixology. Open exclusively to all those interested, these recurring competitions invite participants to demonstrate their expertise through original cocktail creations, sustainable practices, and artistic presentation. Each challenge offers the opportunity to gain recognition, earn awards, and be featured within the Empire Mixology community.
With submission periods, community voting, and prestigious announcements, the Showcase Challenges unite passionate mixologists in friendly competition—highlighting the very best of skill, style, and spirit.
Show your craft. Share your vision. Join the Showcase.
CURRENT CHALLENGE:
The Mixologist’s Mark Showcase
The Mixologist’s Mark Showcase celebrates individuality, creativity, and craftsmanship behind the bar. Those interested are invited to create a cocktail that defines their personal style, a signature drink that leaves a lasting impression. Each submission should reflect the mixologist’s unique vision, blending innovation, flavor harmony, and presentation into a cohesive masterpiece.
This showcase is about identity in a glass, the art of expressing who you are through the spirits, ingredients, and techniques that set you apart. Winning entries exemplify originality, balance, and storytelling, earning their mark among the Empire’s finest.
Submission Period: January 1, 2026 - February 15, 2026
Voting Period: February 16, 2026 - February 28, 2026
Winner Announced: March 5, 2026
The Empire Mixology Challenges
The Mixologist’s Mark Showcase
The Mixologist’s Mark Showcase invites those interested to craft a cocktail that defines their unique identity as a mixologist. This challenge celebrates creativity, balance, and personal expression, rewarding originality and craftsmanship that leave a lasting impression.
Submission Period: January 1 - February 15
Voting Period: February 16 - February 28
Winner Announced: March 5
PAST WINNERS
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The Passport to Flavor
The Passport to Flavor Showcase celebrates global creativity through the language of mixology. Participants craft cocktails inspired by regions, cultures, or traditions from around the world, highlighting authentic ingredients and storytelling. This challenge honors cultural appreciation, innovation, and the art of transforming travel and heritage into unforgettable taste experiences.
Submission Period: March 1 – April 15
Voting Period: April 16 – April 30
Winner Announced: May 5
PAST WINNERS
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The Seasons of the Shaker
The Seasons of the Shaker Challenge honors the artistry of crafting cocktails that capture the spirit of each season. Participants design drinks inspired by seasonal ingredients, colors, and moods, creating harmony between nature and flavor. This showcase celebrates adaptability, freshness, and creativity in tune with the rhythm of the year.
Submission Period: May 1 - June 15
Voting Period: June 16 – June 30
Winner Announced: July 5
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The Cocktail Couture Challenge
The Cocktail Couture Challenge celebrates the fusion of art, fashion, and mixology. Participants craft visually stunning cocktails that embody elegance, precision, and creativity. This showcase rewards innovation in presentation, from exquisite garnishes to refined glassware, honoring cocktails that are as breathtaking to behold as they are to taste.
Submission Period: July 1 - August 15
Voting Period: August 16 – August 31
Winner Announced: September 5
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The Innovation in Motion
The Innovation in Motion Challenge celebrates forward-thinking mixology and modern technique. Participants are invited to craft cocktails that push boundaries through creativity, technology, or advanced methods. This showcase highlights precision, originality, and the evolution of cocktail craftsmanship, honoring those who redefine what is possible behind the bar.
Submission Period: August 15 – September 30
Voting Period: October 1 – October 15
Winner Announced: October 20
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The Revival Pour Showcase
The Revival Pour Showcase pays tribute to the timeless art of classic cocktails while celebrating modern creativity. Participants reimagine historic recipes with contemporary flair, blending tradition and innovation into every glass. This showcase honors mastery, balance, and respect for the craft, rewarding those who breathe new life into the legends of mixology.
Submission Period: September 15 – October 31
Voting Period: November 1 – November 15
Winner Announced: November 20
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The Sip & Savor Showcase
The Sip & Savor Showcase celebrates the harmony between mixology and cuisine. Participants create cocktails intentionally designed to complement specific dishes or flavor profiles, highlighting balance, contrast, and sensory cohesion. This showcase honors the artistry of pairing, rewarding those who elevate the dining experience through thoughtful and inspired drink creation.
Submission Period: October 15 – November 30
Voting Period: December 1 – December 15
Winner Announced: December 20
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The Crowned Creation
The Crowned Creation Showcase represents the pinnacle of achievement, where artistry, innovation, and mastery converge. Participants present their most exceptional cocktail creation, embodying the height of creativity, balance, and technique. This grand finale celebrates the mixologists who define excellence and craftsmanship, earning their place among the elite as true visionaries of the craft.
Submission Period: November 15 – December 31
Voting Period: January 1 – January 15 (following year)
Winner Announced: January 20
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Competition Disclaimer
By entering any Empire Mixology Contests, participants agree to the following terms and conditions. All entries must be original creations and submitted in accordance with the stated guidelines and deadlines. Participants acknowledge that Empire Mixology LLC, its affiliates, and representatives assume no responsibility or liability for any damages, losses, or injuries resulting from participation, submission, or prize acceptance.
Winners are determined through a combination of community voting and final approval by the Empire Mixology LLC executives.. Empire Mixology LLC reserves the exclusive right to review, reject, or disqualify any entry at its sole discretion, including but not limited to entries deemed inappropriate, inauthentic, or non-compliant with contest rules.
By submitting an entry, participants grant Empire Mixology LLC the right to feature their submission, name, and likeness for promotional purposes related to the contest. Submission of an entry constitutes full acceptance of these terms and an agreement to abide by all official rules and decisions made by Empire Mixology LLC, which are final and binding in all respects.
