What to buy for a cocktail competition

A cocktail competition needs more than spirits and mixers. You will need a complete bar setup for each team, separate tasting supplies for judges, plenty of ice, and enough glasses for presentation and sampling. Buy non-perishable ingredients first, then add fresh fruit, herbs and other chilled items close to the event. Use your registration numbers, team count and recipe list to calculate quantities before shopping.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Cocktail Stationsqty 8
Bar Towersqty 2
Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 50
Judges' table
Waste binsqty 4

Tableware

Tumbler glassesqty 60
Martini glassesqty 40
Tall cocktail glassesqty 50
Sample glassesqty 100
Water glassesqty 50
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving traysqty 8

Equipment

Cocktail shakersqty 10
Measuring cupsqty 12
Bar spoonsqty 12
Strainersqty 10
Icebreakersqty 4
Citrus squeezersqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 10
Chef's knivesqty 10
Coolersqty 6
Refrigeratorsqty 2
Bluetooth speakersqty 2
Microphone

Kitchen

Mixing bowlsqty 12
Serving jugsqty 8
Measuring spoonsqty 12
Whiskqty 8
Serving tongsqty 8

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Name badgesqty 50
Race numbersqty 8
Decorative menusqty 10

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Washing-up bowlsqty 3
Spongesqty 12
Microfiber clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Gin - 4 bottles
- Vodka - 4 bottles
- White rum - 3 bottles
- Tequila blanco - 2 bottles
- Bourbon - 2 bottles
- Triple sec - 2 bottles
- Dry vermouth - 2 bottles
- Sweet vermouth - 1 bottle
- Angostura bitters - 2 bottles
- Tonic - 12 liters
- Soda water - 10 liters
- Ginger beer - 8 liters
- Ginger ale - 6 liters
- Cola - 6 liters
- Cola Zero - 4 liters
- Bitter lemon - 4 liters
- Cranberry juice - 6 liters
- Pineapple Juice - 5 liters
- Orange juice - 5 liter
- Grapefruit juice - 4 liters
- Tomato juice - 3 liters
- Lemon juice - 3 liters
- Lime juice - 3 liters
- Elderflower syrup - 2 bottles
- Sugar syrup - 3 bottles
- Grenadine - 2 bottles
- Agave syrup - 2 bottles
- Coconut cream - 3 cans
- Salt - 1 pack
- Granulated sugar - 2 packs
- Cane sugar - 1 pack
- Cinnamon - 1 jar
- Chili powder - 1 jar
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Lemons - 30 pieces
- Limes - 40 pieces
- Oranges - 20 pieces
- Grapefruits - 10 pieces
- Pineapple - 3 pieces
- Apples - 10 pieces
- Fresh mint - 10 bunches
- Fresh basil - 6 bunches
- Rosemary - 6 bunches
- Thyme - 4 bunches
- Cocktail cherries - 4 jars
- Olives - 4 jars
- Cucumber ribbons - 2 packs
- Straws - 100 pieces
- Cocktail sticks - 150 pcs
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 3 kilograms
- Mixed olives - 3 kilogram
- Cheese cubes - 3 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Hummus - 2 kilograms
- Tortilla chips - 6 bags
- Salsa sauce - 3 jars
- Mini cucumbers - 3 kilograms
- Spa Blue - 12 liters
- Spa Rood - 6 liter
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Napkins - 200 pieces

Tips

Plan one complete shaker, measuring cup, bar spoon and strainer for every competition station, plus one spare set for delays or breakages. Shared tools create queues quickly.
Allow at least 1 kilogram of ice per team for a short competition, and keep extra ice in coolers so stations can stay supplied while judges are tasting.
Buy two tasting glasses per judge for each round, plus 10–15% extra. Add separate water glasses so judges do not use cocktail glasses for rinsing or drinking water.
Prepare fresh citrus, herbs and garnishes no more than 24 hours before the event. Store cut fruit and other perishables chilled until the stations open.
Count presentation glasses separately from sample glasses. A team may need one tumbler, martini or tall cocktail glass per entry, while judges need smaller samples for every competing drink. Include serving trays, plates and cutlery if snacks are part of the plan.

Frequently asked questions

How much ice do I need for a cocktail competition?: Start with at least 1 kilogram of ice per team for a short competition, then add 25–50% if there are several rounds or warm conditions. Keep the reserve in coolers and refill stations between rounds.
How many glasses should I buy for a cocktail competition?: Count one presentation glass per cocktail entry, then provide two sample glasses per judge per round. Add 10–15% spare glasses for breakage, rinsing and last-minute registrations.
When should I buy fresh cocktail ingredients?: Buy non-perishable drinks and bar supplies several days ahead. Purchase citrus, herbs, fruit and other fresh ingredients within 24 hours of the competition, then chill them before setup.
What bar equipment does each cocktail team need?: Give every team one cocktail shaker, measuring cup, bar spoon, strainer, citrus squeezer, cutting board and chef’s knife. Prepare one spare set for every four stations so a missing or damaged tool does not stop a round.

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