World Class Singapore showcases mixology excellence at the World Class Cocktail Festival 2026
February 26th, 2026
As the World Class Bartender of the Year Singapore 2026 competition gets underway, World Class announces the launch of the World Class Cocktail Festival 2026, an island-wide showcase set to transform the fine drinking experience and cocktail culture in Singapore and beyond. Kicking off on World Bartender Day on February 24, 2026 and running through May 31, 2026, the festival will invite all to explore the city through a curated cocktail passport, with cocktails crafted with iconic brands: Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, The Singleton, Tanqueray, and Zacapa.
The World Class Cocktail Festival Passport Experience
The World Class Cocktail Festival brings together the standout bartenders competing for the chance to represent Singapore at the 2026 World Class Global Finals in Dubai, and presents limited-time menus that spotlight their creativity and craft.
Across 21 bars, guests can discover five exceptional original cocktails at every stop—revealing the smoky, smooth depths of Johnnie Walker, sun-kissed boldness of Don Julio, the silkiness of The Singleton, Tanqueray’s crisp botanical edge, and Zacapa’s rich decadence. Each creation is crafted to embody precision and creativity with a storytelling flair. Designed to inspire guests to drink better, not more, the festival invites them to slow down, savour, and indulge in truly unforgettable experiences.
Cocktail lovers looking to immerse themselves further in the World Class festivities can actively support their favourite World Class Cocktail Bar experience by casting their votes here, elevating the experience with an interactive layer.
World Class Cocktail Passport
Guests who order a specially curated World Class cocktail at any participating venue will receive a World Class Cocktail Passport. A keepsake that captures and guides their journey through the festival, the passport encourages guests to explore from one venue to the next, meeting the contenders behind the bar and discovering their distinct talents. Guests can collect a unique stamp at each participating bar whenever they order a World Class cocktail, with prizes redeemable once certain milestones are reached.
Guests enjoy a complimentary bottle from one of the selected brands—Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, The Singleton, Zacapa and Tanqueray—each time they reach one of the three milestones, in addition to rewards unlocked at key stages of the journey.
Key Milestones include:
●Visit 5 Bars: Receive a selection of merchandise from Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, The Singleton, Zacapa and Tanqueray. (Limited to 40 redemptions)
●Visit 10 Bars: Receive S$50 Nett World Class Cocktail voucher at Side Door. (Limited to 20 redemptions)
●Visit 15 Bars: Receive S$100 Nett World Class Cocktail voucher at Side Door. (Limited to 10 redemptions)
The World Class Cocktail Festival passport will be available from February 24 to May 31, 2026, issued with the first cocktail purchase from each bar’s dedicated World Class cocktail menu. For a list of participating bars and Top Contenders, please refer to the list below.
To find out more about World Class festivities and opportunities to experience the excitement firsthand, consumers can visit @worldclass on Instagram. Hashtags include #WorldClassSG and #DrinkResponsibly. Consumers are invited to vote for their favourite World Class Cocktail Festival experience here.
World Class Bartender of the Year Singapore
Since its global launch in 2009, Diageo World Class has grown into one of the industry’s most prestigious bartender events, spanning over 180 countries and setting the benchmark for mixology excellence. The Singapore champion will go on to represent the nation in Dubai in September 2026, competing alongside 50 other countries.
Top Contenders for World Class Bartender of the Year Singapore 2026
Venues participating in the World Class Singapore Cocktail Festival include the label (WCCF) in bold.
1. 28 HongKong Street: Elisabeth Lim (WCCF)
2. ATLAS: Esmeralda Castrogiovanni (WCCF)
3. Bar Bon Funk: Josiah Chee
4. CÉ LA VI Singapore: Eduard Musteata (WCCF)
5. Gibson: Gabriel Chan and Tei Kim Taesuk (WCCF)
6. HighHouse: Md Nizam Ahmad and Teh Yeong Shian (WCCF)
7. Jigger & Pony: Nelson Lai (WCCF)
8. Last Word: Reina Hsu and Ooi Foo Giap (WCCF)
9. LAVO: Jestin Galla and Thaw Min Htet (WCCF)
10. Live Twice: Luca Lulli
11. Lobby Bar, The Singapore EDITION: Wong Wee Siong (WCCF)
12. Manhattan: Alex (Happy) Gilmour, and Zana Möhlmann (WCCF)
13. METT Singapore: Daniel Fong and Germaine Guay (WCCF)
14. Night Hawk: Sam Pang (WCCF)
15. Nutmeg & Clove: Sim Sze Wei (WCCF)
16. PLUME (WCCF) a. Matthew Chanb; Siew Han Jun; Akmal Haqim; Rojie Leong-On; Meor Muhammad
17. Puffy Bois: Mate Csizmadia (WCCF)
18. Restaurant Born: Ellen Su (WCCF)
19. Sago House: Norman Tan (WCCF)
20. Shin Gi Tai: Jerel Foo and Ben Hsieh
21. SUSHISAMBA: Sabbath Teo and Nicolas Miranda (WCCF)
22. Tess Bar & Kitchen: Bae Chehui and Leng Jia Ding (WCCF)
23. WOOBAR, W Singapore – Sentosa Cove: Karan Vanker (WCCF)
(images credit World Class)
