2026 Bartender of the Year Competition

Sign Up Now To Compete:

Questions? Please email sperkins@arhaonline.com or call 334.233.4519
Please check which regional competition you are signing up for:
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 31

The Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association, Old Forester and United Distributors of AL are looking for the state’s best bartenders to compete in our annual cocktail showdown!!!

Contestants will submit an original cocktail that showcases their skill as a bartender and highlights one of the Old Forester Whiskey Row expressions (1870, 1897, 1910, 1920), 86 or 100. The cocktail needs to represent the unique flavors of the state of Alabama or the city in which you are competing. If selected to compete, this cocktail will need to be batched and sampled to guests during the cocktail hour of the competition for a chance to win the People’s Choice award.

Regional winners will compete at the state competition on November 2 at the Grand Bohemian Mountain Brook. The state winner will be crowned Alabama’s “2026 Bartender of the Year” and take home the $1,500 grand prize and trophy! The competition is open to all professional bartenders in the state. Six contestants will be selected to compete in each regional competition.

* You will be notified by ARHA and Old Forester if you are selected as a contestant.

COMPETITION GUIDELINES
Name:

First NameLast Name
Company:
City:

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

State / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Mobile Number:
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email:
Please submit your original cocktail recipe that showcases your skill as a bartender and highlights one of the Old Forester Whiskey Row expressions (1870, 1897, 1910, 1920), 86 or 100. If selected, your cocktail will be batched and sampled to guests during the cocktail hour of the competition for a chance to win the People’s Choice award. See guidelines for complete contest details.
Should be Empty:

Sign Up Now To Compete:

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: AUGUST 31