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• Courvoisier is calling on the UK’s finest bartenders in search of the next Courvoisier Connoisseur

• The competition is designed to honour creativity, craftsmanship, and the breakthrough moments that have defined careers behind the bar

• Registration opens from 10th March

Following the success of its first year, Courvoisier, the most awarded Cognac house*, has announced today the return of its Courvoisier Connoisseurs cocktail competition, spotlighting the next generation of UK bartending talent.

Returning for 2026, the nationwide cocktail competition, powered by the Campari Academy’s ambition of inspiring the international bartending community, launches in search of the next Courvoisier Connoisseur; an up-and-coming mixologist whose work embodies the brand’s values of legacy, connection and Bon Vivant.

The Campari Academy has announced this year’s theme: ‘Your Story Remixed’, which competitors will be asked to instil into two signature serves that capture the bold elegance of Courvoisier. One cocktail informed by a defining moment in their bartending career, and another channelling this experience by reigniting and reimagining a classic cocktail, by placing Courvoisier VSOP at its heart.

To nurture creativity, the Campari Academy is offering the first 500 applicants a bespoke Courvoisier Connoisseur Pack. Serving up inspiration, packs will feature a bottle of Courvoisier VSOP and exclusive brand merch, alongside full competition details on how they can get involved. Bartenders beyond the first 500 applicants are still welcome to submit serve recipes.

Ten Semi-Finalists will then be shortlisted to compete in a formal presentation held in London on 10th August, with extra points awarded to those who activate their cocktail in an on-trade venue beforehand. The Courvoisier Connoisseurs Final, which brings together the top 3 Semi-Finalists to compete together in a live cocktail-making competition in Jarnac, France, will see the 2026 Courvoisier Connoisseur crowned. Along with the glory there’s incentive to get creative, as Courvoisier and the Campari Academy are offering a grand prize of £10,000 to put towards the winner’s future bartending career.

Speaking on the launch of this year’s competition, Tristram Fini, Spirits & Champagne Portfolio Ambassador at Campari Group UK said:

‘After such an amazing response to our first competition in 2025, we’re thrilled to share that Courvoisier Connoisseurs is back for 2026!

At Courvoisier we believe that no matter where you are on your bartending journey you deserve a platform to shine and space to grow. We want to invest in your bartending future, and by offering our winner a substantial prize primed to be put towards your dreams this is a competition you will be wanting to be a part of.

It’s a chance to showcase what you can do with Courvoisier in crafting innovative cocktails that tell us about you and Those Moments That Made You.’

Bartenders can throw their hats (or shakers) into the ring in three simple steps:

How to enter

1. Register via the Campari Academy Website Events page by the 12^th May.**
2. Create two cocktails featuring a minimum of 25ml Courvoisier VSOP.
3. Submit these via the online portal by 23:59 on 12^th June (submission link to be emailed to all registered participants)

For bartenders looking to discover more about this year’s Courvoisier Connoisseurs competition, Courvoisier will be present at the following trade shows,

• Northern Restaurant & Bar Show, Tuesday 10th – Wednesday 11th March.
• Edinburgh Bar Show, Monday 13^th – Wednesday 15^th April
• BCB London – Monday 11^th – Tuesday 12^th May