French liqueur and syrup producer Giffard has officially launched its UK West Cup cocktail competition for 2026.
This year’s mixologist challenge calls on bartenders and drinks creators to showcase their creativity under the theme ‘Sip the Moment’, based on the belief that cocktail creators ‘don’t just serve drinks – they serve moments’.
With a closing date of April 26th, competitors are invited to create two connected drinks, one inspired by a morning moment and the other by an evening occasion. Each serve, say Giffard, must ‘capture a distinct mood, context, and time of day’, while forming a coherent pair.
The 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 Giffard products as their main inspiration, with each drink containing a minimum of 30ml from the Giffard range. Competitors will be evaluated via a detailed 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.
Successful competitors from each heat will then advance to the UK final for the chance to represent the UK at the grand international final in Angers, France, Giffard’s historic home.
In addition to international recognition, the ultimate winner will receive an all-inclusive journey to an authentic coffee terroir in South America, described as ‘an immersive bean-to-glass experience designed to inspire creativity and deepen flavour knowledge’
Managing director of Giffard’s UK distributor Mangrove, Nick Gillett, said: “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.”
European brand ambassador for Giffard, Marshall Seyler, added: “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!”
To find out more about the competition visit the dedicated page on the Giffard website.
