The Japanese Sake and Shochu Makers Association (JSS) is proud to announce applications are open for the 2023 Shochu Cocktail Competition. The Grand Prize, you ask? To be ultimately crowned the winner and win a weeklong trip to Japan, touring and tasting some of the country’s best shochu and cocktails.
This competition is about the bridge between Japanese spirits culture and world class bartenders. All you need to do is submit your best shochu cocktail inspired by one of the many traditional festivals and holidays in Japan, using your favorite shochu: Potato, Brown sugar, Rice, Barley, or Awamori.
Registration is open NOW – Enter today!. The deadline for entry submission is February 26th, 2023.
Last year, 7 Finalists traveled to Bar Goto Niban in Brooklyn to participate in the finale. Watch their journey and experience below.
JSS is excited to bring together again this March 13, a group of incredible finalists to present their shochu cocktail creations at Mister Paradise in New York City. This year’s judges include Don Lee, Julia Momosé, and Kenta Goto.
Submission Requirements:
Your original cocktail must use 2 oz of shochu and up to 7 ingredients (including the garnish). Up to two of those ingredients can be custom made syrups, infusions, etc but you will be judged on how consistently and easily they can be produced at volume as a drink on the menu at your bar.
Judging Criteria:
- Why you selected your shochu and how it relates to a Japanese festival.
- Understanding of shochu and balance in a cocktail.
- Name, presentation, and style of the cocktail.
Key Dates:
- Application Opens: January 23, 2023
- Application Closes: February 26, 2023
- Finalists Announcement: March 1, 2023
- Grand Finale Competition: March 13, 2022
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