How to organise a cocktail competition

A cocktail competition runs smoothly when the judging, registration and bar setup are decided before anyone starts mixing. Begin by choosing the format, number of teams and scoring method, then confirm the venue and judges. Give participants the rules, timings and dietary information early enough to prepare. On the day, each team needs a labelled workstation, measured ingredients, chilled drinks and a clear start order. Most problems come from missing ice, unclear judging criteria or garnishes prepared too late.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Set competition format
2 people
2
Invite the judges
3
Confirm venue
4
Create a registration form
5
Send invitations
2 people
6
Process registrations
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Assign teams and start order
2 people
9
Send competition rules
10
Check the shopping list
2 people
11
Order drinks and ingredients
12
Prepare jury forms
13
Prepare participant briefing
14
Do the shopping
2 people
15
Check ingredients
2 people
16
Prepare garnishes
2 people
17
Chill drinks
2 people
18
Open venue
2 people
19
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
20
Set up bar and workstations
4 people
21
Set up judges' table
2 people
22
Set up the welcome desk
2 people
23
Hang decorations
2 people
24
Test lighting and music
2 people
25
Set out ingredients per team
4 people
26
Hold the jury briefing
4 people

Event

27
Receive participants
3 people
28
Register attendance
2 people
29
Serve welcome drinks
3 people
30
Explain the competition rules
31
Escort teams to workstations
2 people
32
Guide the first competition round
4 people
33
Serve cocktails to the jury
3 people
34
Collect jury scores
2 people
35
Lead the second round of the competition
4 people
36
Restock drinks and ice
3 people
37
Serve snacks
3 people
38
Collect used glasses
2 people
39
Wash glasses
2 people
40
Calculate the scores
2 people
41
Announce the winner
42
Present the prize
2 people

Aftercare

43
Close the bar
3 people
44
Sort and remove waste
3 people
45
Remove decorations
2 people
46
Dismantle furniture
4 people
47
Clean the venue
4 people
48
Count inventory
2 people
49
Return borrowed materials
2 people
50
Send results to participants

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 60
Bar stoolsqty 8
Buffet tableqty 2

Tableware

Cocktail glassesqty 80
Highball glassesqty 60
Wine glassesqty 60
Water glassesqty 60
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Bar spoonsqty 12
Strawsqty 100

Equipment

Cocktail shakersqty 10
Jiggersqty 12
Bar stoolsqty 10
Cutting boardsqty 10
Paring knivesqty 12
Blendersqty 4
Coolersqty 6
Portable coolersqty 4

Kitchen

Measuring cupsqty 8
Ice spoonsqty 8
Pliersqty 8
Garnish containersqty 20
Mixing bowlsqty 12
Storage binsqty 20
Bottle openersqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Cocktail platesqty 8
Balloonsqty 40
Competition name signsqty 12

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 4
Table lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Washing-up tubsqty 4
Trash bag holdersqty 6

Catering

Jury formsqty 20
Pen setsqty 12
Prizesqty 3
Name stickersqty 70
Groceries

Tips

Set the format before opening registration: decide how many teams will compete, how long each round lasts and whether contestants work alone or in teams. Leave at least 10 minutes between rounds for judging and resetting workstations.
Invite judges before sending participant invitations, and prepare one jury form per judge plus a spare. Define the scoring categories and maximum points in advance so judges are comparing the same things.
Close registration early enough to process dietary requirements and assign the start order. Send the rules and participant briefing at least 3 days before the competition, including arrival time and what each team will find at its station.
Set up one workstation per team with a shaker, jigger, bar spoon, cutting board, paring knife and garnish container. Put each team’s ingredients together before doors open instead of distributing bottles during the first round.
Plan the cold chain and ice separately from the shopping trip: chill drinks before the event, place backup supplies in coolers and check every ingredient on the day. Prepare garnishes shortly before judging so citrus, herbs and fruit do not dry out.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a cocktail competition?: Start 4 to 6 weeks ahead if you need a venue, judges and registrations. Finalise the format and invite judges first, then close registrations at least 3 days before the event so you can assign teams and prepare the briefing.
How many judges do you need for a cocktail competition?: Use at least 2 judges for a small competition and 3 for a more consistent result with several teams. Prepare one scoring form per judge and keep one spare in case a form is lost or damaged.
How much time should each cocktail round take?: Allow about 15 to 20 minutes for mixing and presentation, followed by 10 minutes for judging and resetting. Add another 10 minutes before the first round for registration, briefing and teams taking their places.
What should I prepare the day before a cocktail competition?: Check the shopping list, confirm all ingredients and chill the drinks the day before. You can also prepare the jury forms, label storage bins and organise decorations, but cut fresh garnishes no more than a few hours before judging.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.