Presented by Marie Brizard and Saint James, the 11^th edition of The Bartenders Society held
its international final on October 25–26, 2026, under the theme “A Journey Through Spices”

Caspar Mønniche, from HELLA in Aarhus (Denmark), won the 2026 international final of The Bartenders Society, held for the first time in Bordeaux, the birthplace of Marie Brizard. He impressed the jury with his creativity, technical excellence and interpretation of this year’s theme, “A Journey Through Spices”.
After finishing second in the 2025 international final, he returned in 2026 to claim the title.

Eliza Woodman (USA) took second place, while Fernando Nehuen Closs (Argentina) finished third and won the Audience Award. Nearly 150 industry guests attended the gala, tasting the top three finalists’ mystery cocktails and voting for their favourite.

Caspar received €3,000 and a choice of trip to Athens, Tokyo or New Orleans. He will represent The Bartenders Society as its ambassador and join the jury for the 2027 international final.

◈ ◈ ◈ 17 COUNTRIES, ONE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION

From five continents, finalists gathered in Bordeaux for an edition inspired by spices, travel and cultural exchange. Each presented two cocktails to the jury, assessed on flavour, technique, presentation and storytelling. The final celebrated the creativity and expertise of the international bartending community.

◈ ◈ ◈ BORDEAUX, BACK TO MARIE BRIZARD’S ROOTS

Founded in Bordeaux in 1755, Marie Brizard welcomed the competition to its birthplace. During the opening cruise on the Garonne, Matthias Giroud and Nathalie Hobe, Marie Brizard Brand Ambassador explored the Maison’s liqueurs through 17 original spice infusions, each representing a participating country. 

◈ ◈ ◈  MARIE BRIZARD AT THE HEART OF THE MYSTERY CHALLENGE

Revealed on the morning of October 26, the challenge gave finalists two hours to create a new liqueur by combining at least two Marie Brizard spice infusions. Their cocktail had to showcase this blend while paying tribute to their country and travels. Nathalie Hobe also led a barista workshop featuring Marie Brizard syrups.

◈ ◈ ◈ “SWEET MARIE”: THE WINNER’S MYSTERY CREATION 

Denmark’s Caspar Mønniche combined Marie Brizard strawberry liqueur infused with pink peppercorns and banana liqueur infused with vanilla, with Saint James VSOP, Caraibos apple juice and maple syrup.

Jury, from left to right: Matthias GIROUD (Jury President), Monica BERG, Jean-Charles SOMMERARD,
Diego VILLAGRÁN, Laurence MAROT and Nathalie HOBE.

◈ ◈ ◈  ABOUT MARIE BRIZARD
Founded in 1755 in Bordeaux, Marie Brizard is one of the oldest French spirit houses. For 270 years, the brand has embodied a unique liqueur-making expertise, regularly awarded at international competitions. Renowned for its art of blending and its uncompromising commitment to quality, Marie Brizard offers a wide and varied range of liqueurs and syrups to meet all cocktail needs, from timeless classics to the latest trends. Present in more than 100 countries, it is now an essential partner of The Bartenders Society. mariebrizard.com

◈ ◈ ◈  ABOUT SAINT JAMES
Since 1765, Saint James has produced rums of exceptional quality within the prestigious AOC Martinique. The world’s No. 1 AOC rum and the No. 1 rum in Martinique, Saint James is now a reference in the rum category, with a wide variety of pure cane rums, from fresh and fruity white rums to aged and extra old rums, rich and harmonious. The distillery is also committed to sustainability, with a positive energy balance thanks to a closed-loop system. rhum-saintjames.com

◈ ◈ ◈  ABOUT BLMHD
BLMHD is the off-trade division of the Bardinet La Martiniquaise group. A leading player in the on-trade channel, it covers all categories of spirits and juices, and supports its partners in enhancing cocktail usage. The off-trade division is a partner of leading bartender associations such as the MOF, ABF and APEB. blmhd.com

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