After six long years, World Class – the globe’s largest and most prestigious cocktail competition – is finally back in Singapore. Come 2025, Singapore’s top bartenders will mix, muddle, and shake their way through intense challenges, culminating in the country showdown in June. The Singapore winner will then represent us at the global finals in Toronto in September.
Since its inception in 2009, World Class has been transforming bartending careers and elevating cocktail culture around the world. We witnessed this first-hand at the 2024 World Class finals in Shanghai, where Southeast Asia’s up-and-coming bartenders stood toe to toe with their peers from across the globe, sharing ideas, stories and local ingredients on the world stage. Bali’s Aris Sanjaya of Syrco Basè delivered an outstanding performance, securing an impressive second place behind the champion, Keegan McGregor from Canada.
And when World Class last had a representative from Singapore back in 2019, she ended up winning the whole shebang. We’re talking about Bannie Kang, of course, who channelled her success into opening Side Door on Neil Road, which just celebrated its first anniversary.
Now, it’s finally time for Singapore to shine once again. In 2025, the country’s finest bartenders face a gauntlet of creative and technical challenges to prove their mettle. These challenges will be powered by fan-favourite brands.
Bartenders will craft cocktails with Don Julio, an exceptional tequila that is a true celebration of Mexican flavour and tradition featured in classics like palomas, and Zacapa, a rum aged at 2,300 metres above sea level, offering rich caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit notes for old fashioneds or tropical-inspired drinks.
The competition will also feature The Singleton, known for its velvety texture and profound flavours ideal for whisky sours and modern highballs delicious from the very first sip. Alongside it is Tanqueray, the bartenders’ gin of choice according to Drinks International, with crisp juniper and zesty citrus for martinis or botanical cocktails.
That’s not all – the bartenders will also showcase their artistry with the iconic Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch whisky, whose smoky, spiced complexity enhances cocktails like the Rob Roy. These talented mixologists will use all five celebrated brands in the test of creativity, skill, and storytelling.
But it doesn’t end there. The grand finals take place in Toronto, Canada later in September, uniting the crème de la crème of global bartending talent. Judged by industry legends and former champions, the ultimate showdown celebrates the artistry and innovation shaping the future of cocktail culture.
While details are still under wraps, one thing’s for certain: the 2025 competition promises to be nothing short of exciting. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just love a good party, keep your eyes peeled and your calendars clear as the celebration of bars, bartenders and cocktails will arrive soon in Singapore. If you're a bartender eager to compete in the 2025 World Class Bartender of the Year for Singapore, connect with your Diageo and Moët Hennessy Diageo Singapore representatives. Stay tuned for updates.
Please drink responsibly. Learn more at DrinkIQ.com.