South Africa’s cocktail competition circuit is heading toward another major showdown. With the announcement of the Top 6 finalists for the MONIN Cup South Africa 2026, six bartenders from some of the country’s recognized cocktail venues will step onto the national stage with one goal: to claim the title of national champion.
But at this level, making a great drink is only the beginning. The finalist will be expected to demonstrate technical precision, creativity, balance, storytelling, presentation and perhaps most importantly the ability to perform under pressure. The national final brings together talent from several of South Africa’s established cocktail destinations:
- Karabo Dijoe – Obscura
- Connor Ross – Sin+Tax
- Anliri Brown – The Muse
- Mason Holster – Sin+Tax
- Merci Buthelezi – Grimaldi Cotswold
- Zainub De Oliveira – Trade Bar
That mix of venues makes the final particularly interesting. Different bars bring different philosophies, techniques and approaches to cocktail making and all six bartenders will now have to prove that their individual style can stand up on national stage.
National competitions are rarely decided by flavor alone. At this level, judges are looking at the complete performance, every moment behind the bar matters, every ingredient has a purpose. Every decision can become the difference between progressing and going home. With six finalists competing for one trophy, there is very little room for an average performance.
The MONIN Cup South Africa 2026 National final takes place 11 August 2026 at the Birmingham 13 4th Avenue Parkhurst Johannesburg from 16:00 to 22:00. The event will bring together bartenders, industry professionals and cocktail enthusiasts for an evening centered around competition, networking and cocktail craftsmanship.
Six bartenders have made it this far. Only one will leave as The MONIN Cup South Africa 2026 national champion. And with “Timeless Twists” setting the brief the biggest question isn’t simply: Who can make the best cocktail? It’s a much harder question. Who can take something timeless and make us see it differently?
