Premium French liqueur and syrup producer Giffard has officially launched its renowned West Cup cocktail competition for 2026 in the UK. This year’s battle of the mixologists calls on bartenders and drinks creators to showcase their creativity under the evocative theme, ‘Sip the Moment’. Enter here.
Rooted in the belief that “you don’t just serve drinks – you serve moments,” the West Cup celebrates the artistry and storytelling power of today’s hospitality professionals. From sunrise to sundown, bartenders shape the rhythm of their guests’ visits, crafting everything from the first revitalising serve of the morning to the final cocktail shared at closing time. The West Cup 2026 challenges entrants to capture that journey in liquid form.
This year’s theme invites competitors to create two connected drinks: one inspired by a morning moment and the other by an evening occasion. Each serve must capture a distinct mood, context, and time of day, while forming a coherent pair; two sides of the same narrative, rather than standalone creations.
Winner of last year’s competition, Steve Gleeson said:
Giffard West Cup was an unforgettable experience. From meeting amazing people across the UK to gaining friends for life across the globe, this competition remains, to this date, one of the greatest experiences I’ve had in my hospitality career. I implore any bartender to enter West Cup. Use this competition to truly explore your creativity, to meet some wonderful people, and enjoy every second of it.
Competition entrants must use the sumptuous Giffard products as their main inspiration, with each drink containing a minimum of 30ml from the Giffard range. Competitors will be evaluated via a comprehensive scoring system designed to reward mixologists’ technical skills and creative expression. A series of heats followed by a final will take place across the UK from late May to late June. You can enter here, the closing date is 26 April 2026.
Successful competitors from each heat will advance to the UK final for the chance to represent the UK at a very grand event – the international final in Angers, France.
The international final will bring the boldest and brightest of the industry globally to Giffard’s historic home, from which it continues to produce its celebrated liqueurs and syrups. In addition to international recognition, the ultimate winner will receive an all-inclusive, premium journey to an authentic coffee terroir in South America; an immersive bean-to-glass experience designed to inspire creativity and deepen flavour knowledge.
Nick Gillett, Managing Director of Giffard’s UK distributor, Mangrove, said of the competition:
We understand better than anyone the importance of creating spaces where hospitality and spirits professionals can come together, and The West Cup has become a momentous occasion in the annual calendar, that lets us do exactly that.
Not only is it great for Giffard, it’s great for venues and for the industry. I firmly believe the creativity and entrepreneurship of hospitality is second to none – and this competition allows them to showcase it.
Marshall Seyler, European Brand Ambassador for Giffard commented:
Giffard has long been championed by bar teams and the on-trade – so there is no better way to celebrate our range, than with a cocktail competition.
Every year we’re amazed at the recipe and concepts presented, and every year we get to see the creativity, drive, and enthusiasm that the hospitality industry embodies. The theme for this year, with two cocktails to present, will bring us twice the fun. Get involved!
Founded in 1885, Giffard is a family-owned company renowned worldwide for its premium liqueurs, syrups, and cocktail ingredients. Combining innovation and a deep respect for natural ingredients, Giffard has become a trusted name among bartenders and hospitality professionals globally, championing creativity behind the bar for over 135 years.
If you’d like to find out more about the competition (including how to enter) visit the dedicated page here entries close on 26 April.