Berlin/Madrid, October 2025 - The Flor de Caña Sustainable Cocktail Challenge (SCC), one of the world's most important competitions for sustainable mixology, is now in its fifth edition. The aim of the contest, organized internationally by Flor de Caña, is to promote the creativity and sense of responsibility of bartenders - and thus set sustainable impulses for the global bar scene.
German national final
In this year's German competition, Emma Kleemann (The Bohemian Bar, Hamburg) and Nicolai Dadischeck (Jigger & Spoon, Stuttgart) impressed the expert jury with their innovative cocktail creations. Emma presented her creation "Sunday at Grandma's" and Nicolai his cocktail "Mirtillo Selvatico di Alfredo." Both were named national winners and then traveled to the regional final in Madrid, where the best 18 bartenders from all over Europe competed against each other. Even though Emma and Nicolai were unable to qualify for the global final there, they represented the German bar scene with great commitment and lasting creativity.
The European winners in Madrid
Six bartenders were chosen at the European regional final to compete in the global final in Nicaragua in 2026:
Yvonne Chan (UK) - Kwãnt Mayfair, with the cocktail "First of May"
Timothée Nicolas (France) - DROPS, with the cocktail "Rice Up!"
Emanuele Aurioso (Italy) - Teleria 108, with the cocktail "Bloody Thirsty"
Dawid Stoch (Poland) - Art Katowice, with the cocktail "Clever Club"
Oliden James Mata Saballo (Spain) - Lovo Cocktail Bar, with the cocktail "Ron-Mate"
Emil Durchev (Netherlands) - LuminAir, with the cocktail "Not Your Usual Daiquiri"
A high-caliber jury judged the cocktails based on their history and inspiration, use of sustainable ingredients and techniques, creativity, taste and appearance. The jury members included:
● Anna Sebastian - from the UK; founder of Anna Sebastian Hospitality and Celebrate Her, hospitality consultant and entrepreneur who curates luxury brand experiences and advocates for women's empowerment.
● Emanuele Balestra - Italian bar manager and renowned mixologist at Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic in Cannes. Known for his cocktails with botanical and aromatic innovations and author of "Majestic Cocktails".
● Luis Inchaurraga - Argentinian mixologist based in Spain, founder of House of Mixology and awarded Best Bartender of Spain 2021. He brings his expertise as a sommelier for wine, tea, coffee and spirits and is the author of the book "Más allá del cóctel".
About the Flor de Caña Sustainable Cocktail Challenge
The Flor de Caña Sustainable Cocktail Challenge is the world's first competition dedicated exclusively to sustainable mixology. More than 40 countries take part. Flor de Caña - as the first climate-neutral and fair trade-certified spirit - is thus committed to positive change in the global bar scene. The family business from Nicaragua has been producing CO₂-neutral rum since 1890, using 100% renewable energy and no artificial additives.