Havana Club has announced the completion of the regional phases of its bartender competition – Havana Club Cocktail Maestros – the global programme celebrating creativity, teamwork and the true spirit of Cuban hospitality.

Following national heats that involved over 550 bartender duos from 25 countries, the top contenders from Europe, Asia and the Americas now move one step closer to the Global Finals in Havana.

Havana Club Cocktail Maestros continues to uphold its commitment to the bartending community, bringing together emerging talent, industry leaders and diverse cultural perspectives – all united by a shared passion for Cuban rum and inventive cocktail craft.

The Asia-Pacific regional finals took place in Shanghai in April 2025, where Havana Club hosted an exclusive “Havana Day” at the Fosun Foundation as part of the SIP Supernova 2025 Competition. Ten national-winning teams, mentored by world-renowned bartender Simone Caporale, competed in the Cuban Mode challenge, creating cocktails inspired by Havana’s resourceful spirit using homemade elements and locally sourced ingredients.

The European regional finals were held in Berlin in October 2025, where 15 national-winning teams came together for a memorable three-day event. Judged by Maria Kontorravdis, Ian Burrell and Stefan Adrian, bartenders demonstrated exceptional technique and uniquely European interpretations of Cuban-inspired mixology. The event combined competitive challenges, high energy and insightful education, strengthening participants’ skills for the Global Finals while fostering a strong sense of community.

The Americas Regional Finals took place in Bogotá, Colombia, in November 2025, bringing together teams from Colombia, Mexico, Cuba and Canada for three days of creativity, flavour and cultural exchange. Judged by Ángel Solórzano, Luna Orellano and Noah Matthies, bartenders competed in the Liquid Harmony and Cuban Mode challenges. A standout moment saw the Cuban team win the Liquid Harmony challenge through online participation, highlighting the global reach of Cuban creativity. The event as a whole celebrated the stories, techniques and traditions that lie at the heart of Havana Club.

Commenting on the announcement, Alfredo Guerra, Global Brand Ambassador at Havana Club, said: “Across every region, we’ve seen bartenders pour their culture, their talent and their corazón into this competition. Cocktail Maestros is all about community – a celebration of creativity, hospitality and the stories that bring people together. We’re incredibly proud of the spirit shown across Asia, Europe and the Americas, and it’s inspiring to see Havana Club resonate so strongly with the bartending community around the world.”

With the regional journey now complete, all eyes turn to Havana in April 2026, where the stage is set for the Global Finals of Havana Club Cocktail Maestros 2026.