MARITIMES SPIRIT FESTIVAL

FEB 20th - Delta Hotel - Moncton NB

Cocktail Competition: Bartender Application

Show off your skill. Shake up your creativity. Become the Maritimes’ best bartender.

We are calling on the region’s top bartenders to compete live at Maritimes SpiritFest in a three-part showdown celebrating craft, speed, and spirit.

Only six bartenders will be selected. Do you have what it takes?

Competition Overview

1. Judges’ Choice

Create an original cocktail featuring a sponsor spirit.
Judged on creativity, flavor balance, presentation, technique, and spirit integration.
Winner: SpiritFest Official Champion, The Maritimes’ Best Bartender.

2. People’s Choice

Guests with VIP bracelets will sample competitor cocktails and cast their vote.
Winner: People’s Choice Award.

3. Speed Cocktail Challenge

Bartenders go head-to-head creating a classic cocktail under pressure.
Judged on speed, accuracy, and technique.
Winner: SpiritFest Speed Champion.

How to Apply

Fill out the submission form below.
Selected competitors will be contacted directly by Aaron Malley (Mix It Up Mixology).

Application Deadline: January 1st
Competitor Spots: 6 total

Competition Rules and Requirements

  1. Eligibility

    • Must be 19 years or older and currently employed or actively working as a bartender in Atlantic Canada.

    • Must have a strong command of cocktail technique and professionalism.

  2. Original Cocktail Entry

    • Each competitor must submit one original cocktail recipe featuring one of the event’s sponsor spirits

    • Cocktail must include a minimum of 1 oz of sponsor spirit.

    • Homemade syrups, infusions, and garnishes are permitted and encouraged.

    • Recipe must be replicable on-site using standard bar tools.

  3. Preparation and Presentation

    • Competitors will prepare their cocktail live during the Judges’ Choice Round.

    • Glassware, ice, and base equipment will be provided.

    • Competitors may bring their own tools, syrups, and garnishes.

  4. Scoring Criteria

    • Creativity and originality (20%)

    • Flavor balance and execution (25%)

    • Presentation and storytelling (20%)

    • Technique and professionalism (20%)

    • Spirit integration (15%)

  5. Conduct

    • Professional conduct is required at all times.

    • Failure to comply with event staff, judges, or safety protocols may result in disqualification.

  6. People’s Choice and Speed Round

    • Competitors agree to participate in all three rounds.

    • Speed round details and the list of classic cocktails will be provided in advance.

What You Will Receive

  • Exposure at one of Atlantic Canada’s top spirits events.

  • Social media promotion through Mix It Up Mixology and SpiritFest channels.

  • Opportunities to network with brands, judges, and media.

  • Trophies, and prizes for all winners.

OFFICAL PRICES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

Bartender Submission Form

Full Name:
Bar / Establishment:
Email Address:
Phone Number:
City and Province:
Instagram Handle (optional):
Years of Bartending Experience:
Why do you want to compete at SpiritFest? (short paragraph):
Describe your bartending style or signature approach:
Upload your Original Cocktail Recipe (PDF or text entry):

  • Name of cocktail

  • Full recipe (ingredients and measurements)

  • Method and glassware

  • Inspiration or story

Submit Application to:

Info@mixitupmixology.com

Important Notes

  • Selected competitors will be notified by email no later than Jan 10th

  • Participation includes consent to photography, video, and social media coverage.

  • The organizer reserves the right to adjust format or spirits as needed.

  • All spirits for competition use will be supplied by event sponsors.