The House of Angostura® is thrilled to announce the launch of the 11th edition of its prestigious Angostura® Global Cocktail Challenge (AGCC 2024), inviting bartenders from across the globe to showcase their talent. Following a four-year hiatus since the last event in 2020, the competition is back and bigger than ever, with entries now open for submission via the official competition website.

The 2020 edition of the Angostura® Global Cocktail Challenge showcased an extraordinary level of talent from South Africa, with ten remarkable bartenders earning their spot as national finalists. These finalists, who stood out for their creativity, technique, and passion, included:

• Joseph Nicholls from Marble Restaurant
• Thabiso Mabanna from Molecular Bars
• Maynard Booyzen Independent drinks consultant
• Michael McAlpine from Saint Restaurant
• Jody Rahme from Gorgeous George
• Martin Strobos from Slo-Jo
• Peter Lebese from SIP Exclusive
• Bruce Dorfling from Lucky Shaker
• Butholezwe Dube from Saxon Hotel
• Leighton Rathbone from Orphanage Cocktail Emporium

Each of these top 10 finalists embodied the spirit of mixology, showcasing their ability to innovate while paying tribute to classic cocktail traditions.

A Journey Through Time: Celebrating 200 Years of ANGOSTURA®

This year’s Angostura® Global Cocktail Challenge embraces the theme “A Journey Through Time,” marking a momentous celebration of 200 years of Angostura’s heritage, innovation, and craftsmanship. Bartenders from around the world are invited to craft their own unique cocktail interpretations inspired by ANGOSTURA®'s rich history and legacy. This theme celebrates the timeless traditions that have shaped the global cocktail industry while encouraging participants to push the boundaries of creativity.

We are calling on bartenders globally to join us in this celebration and vie for the coveted title of ANGOSTURA® Cocktail Challenge Winner for their respective countries.

How to Enter

In honour of our 200th anniversary, we challenge bartenders worldwide to craft a swizzle cocktail using Angostura premium rum and bitters, testing their creativity, innovation, and ability to perform under pressure.

To enter, simply visit https://angosturaglobalcocktailchallenge.com/, sign up by completing the entry form, and submit the following:

• Cocktail Name, Recipe and Method
• A menu description (50 words max)
• A supporting paragraph (250 words max)
• Submit one cocktail image

Could You Be the Next ANGOSTURA® Cocktail Champion?

This year’s challenge promises not only prestige but also incredible rewards:

• National Winner: Receives the title of ANGOSTURA® Cocktail Challenge Winner for their country and a trip to Trinidad and Tobago in May 2025 to compete for the global title.

• Global Winner: Receives the title of ANGOSTURA® Global Cocktail Challenge Winner 2025, a $10,000 prize, and the opportunity to work with the House of ANGOSTURA® for the next two years, travelling the world and representing our esteemed portfolio of brands.

We encourage bartenders to channel their inner mixologist and create cocktails that embody the essence of ANGOSTURA’s history and innovation. This is a unique opportunity to gain international recognition and join the ranks of the world’s best bartenders.

The countdown to the bicentennial celebrations has begun, and we are excited to embark on this journey with the bartending community. The ANGOSTURA® Global Cocktail Challenge 2024 is set to be an unforgettable event, marking 200 years of excellence in crafting exceptional bitters and spirits.

For more information on how to participate, visit https://angosturaglobalcocktailchallenge.com/how-to-enter/. Follow Angostura South Africa on Facebook @Angostura South Africa and Instagram @AngosturaZA for updates, fun facts, and recipes.

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