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NK Cocktail

Dutch Cocktail Championship

The best bartending talent in the Netherlands on the highest stage.

In January 2026, the official Dutch Cocktail Championships returned to where it all began: Horecava. In 2027, this exciting competition, bringing together craftsmanship, flair and creativity, will once again take place on the exhibition floor. The Dutch Cocktail Championships bring together some of the best bartenders in the Netherlands, all competing at the highest level for the chance to represent their country on the international stage.

What can you expect?

Cocktail shaking is a craft, and this is evident every year during the Dutch Cocktail Championships. This official national championship, organized by the Dutch Bartenders Club (NBC), puts the passion, creativity, and professional standards of the profession in the spotlight. 

“We not only highlight the craftmanship, but also the rich history of our club” – Richard Zijlstra, Chairman of the NBC. 

Professional bartenders compete against each other during Horecava in two exciting days of competition. Under the watchful eye of professional judges, they are assessed on presentation, technique, neatness, garnish, taste, and balance. The winners will represent the Netherlands later that year at the IBA World Cup Championship. In addition to titles, there are cash prizes and prestigious NBC challenge trophies to be won. 

 

Drie mensen proosten met kleurrijke cocktails tijdens een evenement

Cocktail shaking is a craft, and this is evident every year during the Dutch Cocktail Championships. This official national championship, organized by the Dutch Bartenders Club (NBC), puts the passion, creativity, and professional standards of the profession in the spotlight. 
 

“We not only highlight the craftmanship, but also the rich history of our club” – Richard Zijlstra, Chairman of the NBC. 

Professional bartenders compete at Horecava in two exciting competitions: the National Cocktail Competition and the National Longdrink Competition.

The judges look at much more than just the taste of the drink. Every detail counts. The competition is about the complete picture, from preparation to the final sip. Participants are judged on the following elements:

  • Behind-the-scenes preparation: a judge assesses how participants prepare backstage.
  • Garnishing: participants' skills in preparing their garnishes are assessed.
  • Presentation and storytelling: both presentation skills and the story behind the drink count.
  • On-stage performance: the technical jury assesses each participant's performance on stage.
  • Cocktail/Longdrink: three tasting judges assess the drink itself.
  • Knowledge and speed round: participants can earn additional points in these challenges.

Prizes

The winner of the National Cocktail Competition will be crowned Dutch Cocktail Champion 2027 and receive the ‘De Beer’ challenge trophy. The winner of the National Longdrink Competition will receive the ‘The Crystal Shaker’ challenge trophy, as well as prize money. Second and third place will also receive a cash prize.

The overall winner of the NBC National Championships will represent the Netherlands at the World Championships, offering an exceptional opportunity to showcase Dutch bartending talent on the international stage.

Winners 2026

At Horecava 2026, Jorit Frijling won both the National Cocktail Competition and the National Longdrink Competition. His Poire Rouge earned him the title of Dutch Cocktail Champion, while Ocean Heart secured his victory in the Longdrink Competition. He will represent the Netherlands at the World Championships in Macau.

Several other awards were also presented during the championships. Jan Dirk Huijser van Reenen won the De Kuyper Audience Award, while Jorit Frijling received both the Hoshizaki Creations Award for Cocktail and the Hoshizaki Creations Award for Longdrink.

About the Dutch Bartenders Club

The Dutch Bartenders Club (NBC) has been the official bartenders' association of the Netherlands since 1949 and is a co-founder of the International Bartenders Association (IBA). The NBC is an established name within the international bartending community. It organises competitions and training programmes, offers masterclasses, workshops and networking events, and connects bartenders with brands, fellow professionals and new opportunities. Visit their website for more information or to become a member. 

Why you don't want to miss this

“Cocktails and bartending are an important part of today's hospitality industry. With these competitions, we give the profession the stage it deserves.” - Florentine Rijkmans, Director Horecava

 

Whether you're competing or coming to watch, the National Cocktail and Longdrink Competitions showcase the creativity and talent of the Dutch bar scene. Expect passion, craftsmanship, competition and plenty of inspiration at Horecava 2027.