2026 United States Cocktail Competition: The Road to Macau

The USBG is proud to be the official U.S. delegate to the International Bartenders Association (IBA)—a global community spanning more than 70 countries. Each year, the IBA brings the world’s best bartenders together through thrilling competitions globally. Now, it’s our turn.

We’re kicking off the 2026 United States Cocktail Competition (USCC), the nationwide search for Team USBG 2026—the bartenders who will carry the flag, showcase their craft, and represent the United States on the world stage. 

This is your chance to step up, shake things up, and make history! 

The USCC is comprised of four program phases, taking competitors from their local communities to the Global Stage in Macau, China for the World Cocktail Competition in 2026.

	LOCAL COMMUNITY CHAMPIONSHIPS  Communities will select up to Two champions (One flair and One classic competitor) as representatives to compete in their  2026 USCC Regional Championship.  Communities may select their champions through a variety of selection processes including local competitions.  Community Champions will be announced on March 3rd, 2026!
	Regional Championships Community Champions will then go head to head to determine who will advance to compete in the National Championship.  The highest scoring Flair and Classic competitors from each region will move on to compete at the National Championship in July 2026.
	National Championships The highest scoring Regional Competitors will be joined by the winners of Bartender Shakedown at the National Championship to vie for the titles of 2026 USCC Flair Champion and 2026 USCC Classic Champion.
	The 2026 USCC Champions will have the opportunity to represent Team USBG on the global stage in 2026 at the Pan-American Cocktail Competition then on to the The World Cocktail Competition (WCC) in Macau China.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Must be 21 years of age or older to participate
• Comply with the USBG Code of Conduct and Policy against Harassment
• Entrants must be an active USBG member in good standing of the chapter in which they are competing. If an entrant is a member of multiple communities, they can select only one chapter competition to enter
• Must be available to travel to and compete at the Team USBG Regional Championship if selected as Community Champion

Stay tuned and follow along for more information!