GIANYAR, lintasbali.com – The vibrant cocktail culture of Ubud took center stage as the Ubud Food and Beverage Community (UFBC), in collaboration with the Himpunan Bartender Indonesia (HBI), successfully hosted the Ubud Mixologist Competition 2026 on Friday, 6 March 2026, at The Blue Door Ubud.
The competition brought together 30 talented mixologists from across Bali, showcasing both seasoned bartenders and rising stars in the region’s fast-growing craft cocktail scene.
Participants were challenged to create an original cocktail inspired by Ubud’s rich culture and natural ingredients, using Saccharum and Ranchitos Tequila as the base spirits. Each mixologist presented a unique interpretation of Ubud’s flavors, combining creativity with locally sourced ingredients.
The competition was judged by a panel of respected professionals from the hospitality and beverage industry: Yos Malelak, Master Blender at PT Mulia Dewata Gemilang; I Gede Adijaya representing Himpunan Bartender Indonesia; and I Komang Oka from the Ubud Food and Beverage Community.
Entries were evaluated based on taste, balance, creativity, technique, and presentation, making for an exciting and competitive event that highlighted both innovation and craftsmanship.
After an intense final round, I Kadek Aldi Cahyadi from Adiwana Unagi Suites was crowned Ubud Mixologist Champion 2026. His exceptional cocktail, crafted with Ranchitos Tequila and locally sourced ingredients, also earned him the Best Cocktail Award, impressing the judges with its refined balance and originality.
The second place was awarded to I Gusti Ngurah Surya Wijaya from Soulshine Bali, while Ni Made Lestariyani from Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel secured third place, completing the podium with her creative cocktail presentation.
Beyond the competition, the event created a lively atmosphere featuring live entertainment, networking sessions, and industry engagement, bringing together hospitality professionals, media representatives, and cocktail enthusiasts from across Bali.
The Ubud Mixologist Competition 2026 not only celebrated the creativity and skill of local bartenders but also strengthened the collaborative spirit within Bali’s hospitality community, reinforcing Ubud’s growing reputation as a hub for innovative mixology and craft cocktails.
Event Highlights
Champion: I Kadek Aldi Cahyadi – Adiwana Unagi Suites
Second Place: I Gusti Ngurah Surya Wijaya – Soulshine Bali
Third Place: Ni Made Lestariyani – Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Date: Friday, 6 March 2026
Venue: The Blue Door Ubud
Participants: 30 Mixologists
Organizers & Partners:
Ubud Food and Beverage Community (UFBC), Himpunan Bartender Indonesia (HBI), PT Mulia Dewata Gemilang, Saccharum, Ranchitos Tequila, Squeeze Juice, Monin Syrup, Prost Beer, Equil Water, Acaraki Golden Sparkling, Bakery House Ubud, Bar Essentials
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