South African cocktails are carving out their own identity instead of merely following international trends. The country’s best bartenders proved that in the national finals of the 2026 MONIN Cup, that modern mixology is about much more than just drink specifications and decorative garnishes. Today, the art requires accuracy, storytelling, imagination and intentional design of concept.
Taking the national title was Anliri Brown of The Muse speakeasy, who emerged victorious from a highly competitive field of bartending talent. Mason Holster of Sin+Tax in Johannesburg claimed second place, while Zainub De Oliveira of Trade Bar was placed third. Beyond the competition itself, this year’s MONIN Cup reflected a broader shift taking place across South Africa’s hospitality industry. Held during Women’s Month, the competition highlighted the growing influence of women in a sector that has historically been dominated by men.
Women are no longer simply participating in the conversation around hospitality, they are increasingly helping shape its direction, culture and future. More importantly, the 2026 competition revealed a cocktail scene becoming increasingly confident in its own identity. Instead of following international trends, local mixologists are drawing on personal experiences, regional influences, cultural references and distinct creative identities to create concepts that are authentically South African. That evolution matters.
The strongest South African cocktails are beginning to tell stories that could not have been created anywhere else. They reflect the people behind the bar, the places they come from and the experiences that have shaped them. The message is becoming difficult to ignore: South African mixology is no longer waiting for permission to join the global conversation; it is ready to contribute to it. And if this competition is anything to go by, the next chapter of South African cocktail culture could be its most exciting yet.
