Bartenders Unite (and Compete)!
Bar & Restaurant Expo is the official location for the United States Bartenders' Guild (USBG) National Cocktail Competition.
Get ready to witness the cocktail event of the year – the electrifying USBG Shake It Up Competition that will have you on the edge of your seats!
Watch this thrilling competition located on the Spotlight Stage as the most talented bartenders go head-to-head in a battle of creativity, speed, and skill. Witness mind-blowing cocktail concoctions that push the boundaries of what you thought a drink could be.
Support the bartender community and cheer on the National Finalists in both the Classic and Flair Division!
Access to watch the Shake It Up Competition is included in all registration passes.
USBG Shake It Up Competition Submission Details.
Classic Division
Applications are not currently open for the USBG 2026 Shake It Up – Classic Competition. We will post the link here when available.
Flair Division
The Top 5 Finalists will advance to the Shake It Up National Final on Wednesday, March 25.
Flair National Finals:
- Each competitor will be assigned a sponsored spirit and demo their cocktail LIVE on the Spotlight Stage at Bar & Restaurant Expo.
- Drinks may be stirred, shaken, built, or thrown!
- The highest-scoring competitor will be named the 2026 USBG National Champion and will represent the USBG at the IBA World Cocktail Championship in Fall 2026.
- The second highest-scoring competitor will be named the Runner-Up and will represent the USBG at the Pan-American Cocktail Championship, Fall 2026
About USBG
The USBG is a leading professional bartenders' association with a rich history of promoting excellence in the craft of mixology.
USBG is dedicated to advancing the skills, knowledge, and professionalism of bartenders, while also providing valuable networking opportunities and fostering a sense of community within the industry.