What was the conclusion after the premiere in 2021?
The most important thing is that we were overwhelmed by the commitment of the bartenders and the partners! We received creative recipes from over 60 bartenders and over 90 brands took part in the premiere. The Barkeeper were enthusiastic about this new competition and the way it was organised.
At the finale, the generous space for preparation was particularly appreciated. As the organiser, one is naturally pleased when the premiere elicits such positive feedback.
What difficulties did you encounter during the implementation?
Basically everything went smoothly. Both during the call for entries and at the final itself. As with everything that is being realised for the first time, communication and information were challenging. The feedback and suggestions for improvement that we received will be incorporated into the 2022 event.
What adjustments are planned for 2022?
The competition concept and procedure have proven themselves. Nevertheless, we will make small adjustments. The situation is different for the grand final: We are looking forward to holding the final on 2 May in Zurich-Oerlikon in front of an audience, which unfortunately was not possible last year due to official requirements. In order to promote personal exchange between the professional audience and partners, there will also be a networking area with an integrated table fair.
What makes the SWISS COCKTAIL OPEN so unique?
A new competition format was launched last year with the SWISS COCKTAIL OPEN, which is also topical this year: As the name says, "Open" stands for the fact that the competition should be open to a broad audience. All Barkeeper (m/f/d) who work part-time or full-time in Switzerland can submit their recipe. We have taken care to impose as few restrictions as possible, but we want to give all participants a fair competition.
How does this competition differ from the SWISS BAR AWARDS, which are also organised by BAR NEWS?
The two competitions are not comparable. At the SWISS COCKTAIL OPEN, the focus is on the drink and we are looking for the best cocktail in Switzerland. At the SWISS BAR AWARDS, the best Barkeeper or the best bars are judged and awarded.
What are the most important points from the regulations?
The recipe must be a new, previously unpublished cocktail creation. Short drinks or long drinks consisting of three to six products (plus decoration) are permitted. As we are keen to promote both Swiss products and international brands, at least one Swiss brand from a registered competition partner must be used.
Likewise, at least one international brand of a registered international competition partner must be used.
Most important info for Barkeeper
Dates
29 March: Closing date for recipes
2 May: Grand final with 24 finalists in Hall 550 (Zurich-Oerlikon)
Conditions of participation
All Barkeeper (m/f/d) working part-time or full-time in Switzerland
Cocktail
Short drink or long drink
Recipe
Minimum 3 products, Maximum 6 products, of which:
- at least 1 product from a Swiss producer (products according to the Competition Partner list)
- At least 1 product from an international producer (products according to the Competition Partner list)
- maximum 1 product "Home-Made"
- Maximum 1 special or niche product (no official partner)
Why is it worth taking part in the SWISS COCKTAIL OPEN?
The search is on for the best cocktail in Switzerland! Barkeeper from all over Switzerland will compete to see who can claim this award. In addition to the winning title and a cool trophy, there is also an exclusive prize to be won by the winner. The winner will also qualify for the semi-finals of the "Barkeeper of the year" at the SWISS BAR AWARDS 2023 with a "wild card".
What is the procedure of the competition?
The competition is divided into two phases: In the first phase, Barkeeper can send in their recipes between 3 and 29 March. According to the rules, only products from registered brands may be used. These recipes will then be judged by a panel of experts.
The best recipes will make it to the grand final on Monday, 2 May 2022 in Hall 550 in Zurich-Oerlikon with 24 participants. The best six bartenders will make it to the final round on the same day and thus to the big showdown for the best cocktail in Switzerland.
Who judges at the Swiss Cocktail Open?
As organisers, it is important to us that the recipes submitted are judged by a top-class jury. We pay attention to a balanced composition with specialists from the bar scene, consumers and sensory specialists.
What else is there to say?
Can you mix the best cocktail in Switzerland? Show your bartending skills and take part in the biggest cocktail competition in Switzerland! Recipes can be submitted online from 3 to 29 March.
