Monin Americas to Host 2026 Monin Cup, North American Qualifying Events

This summer, bartenders across North America will create their own Timeless Twists in Monin’s 2026 Monin Cup, with Monin Americas holding semi-final events across the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Let the competition begin! The famed, biennial Monin Cup will return for its eighth edition in 2026 — this time, with its North America qualifying rounds hosted by Clearwater-based Monin Americas. With this year’s theme being Timeless Twists, participants are encouraged to capture the past while also looking toward the future as they compete for a chance to win the coveted Monin Cup at the global finale in Paris, France this December.

Launched in 2012, the Monin Cup is a global platform for emerging bartenders to showcase their talent. Open to rising professionals around the world, the Monin Cup unfolds in stages, with regional rounds taking place in North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Southern America, Greater China and India and satellite countries. During each round, participants in all divisions are challenged to demonstrate technical skill, creativity and storytelling through original beverage concepts featuring Monin products. This year, competitors will use modern tools and a unique perspective to revive forgotten flavors, reinvent classic beverages and uncover stories behind iconic serves — while adding their own timeless twists.

The journey for North American competitors will begin virtually, with registered participants in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico submitting an original recipe inspired by the Timeless Twists theme, along with a brief bio highlighting their experience and inspiration. A panel of Monin beverage experts will review entries and select the top submissions from each region to advance to the live, in-person semi-final rounds taking place this summer across North America and the Caribbean.

“Monin Americas is honored to curate these events, but more importantly, to learn from our industry’s rising stars and play a role in highlighting their talents,” said Sabrina Godfrey, Director of Marketing Communications at Monin Americas. “Our team is committed to supporting emerging talent, and this competition offers a meaningful platform to do so on a global stage. After years of the Monin Cup being hosted around the world, we’re excited to represent North America and be part of this next chapter.”

The North American semi-final rounds will begin on July 14 in Mexico City for Mexico participants, followed by July 30 in Toronto, Ontario for Canada participants and August 11 in Tampa, Florida for U.S. and Puerto Rico participants. During these rounds, finalists will present their timeless twists live to a panel of judges, showcasing both creative vision and technical skill. The finalists from these rounds will then go on to compete in the global finale on December 8 in Paris. Semi-final participants will receive prize packages and a cash award in recognition of their performance. At the international finale, winners will receive €5,000 for first place, €3,000 for second and €2,000 for third.

Competitors must be working bartenders or bar school students, as well as 27 years or younger to compete. All stages of the competition will be conducted in English only.

As the bar world continues to evolve, MONIN Cup 2026 serves as a reminder that innovation is not about abandoning the past, but reinventing it—one twist at a time.