This fall, The Alchemists’ Garden invites bartenders from across the Central Coast and beyond to join us for Round One of the 2026/27 Cocktail Challenge—a spirited showcase of innovation, skill, and thoughtful bartending.

This round challenges competitors to explore sustainability as a craft discipline, not a marketing word. Show us what you can do with what you already have. Take something a bar would normally throw away—or something grown down the road—and make it the reason the drink works.

Submissions open September 5, 2026 and close September 23.

Competitors will be announced September 25, with the live Round One competition taking place at The Alchemists’ Garden on Monday, October 5, 2026 beginning at 5 PM

Celebrating Craft, Community, and Creative Expression

Featured Spirits

  • Weber Ranch 1902 Agave Vodka

Made entirely from 100% Blue Weber agave, Weber Ranch begins with agave hand-harvested in Jalisco after roughly seven years of maturation before being redistilled in Muenster, Texas.

Seven years of agave went into that bottle. Show us the same patience.

Submission Guidelines

Each entrant must submit one original cocktail recipe featuring:

  • A minimum of 1.5 oz Weber Ranch 1902 Agave Vodka as the base spirit

  • At least one sustainable ingredient sourced or produced through your own account

  • A short explanation of what you chose, where it came from, and why it matters

  • Complete cocktail specifications, including ingredients, measurements, glassware, method, ice, and garnish

  • A photo of the finished cocktail

    What counts as sustainable?

    That is intentionally up to you. It might mean utilizing citrus husks, spent coffee, juice pulp, herb stems or other ingredients normally discarded; sourcing from a local farm or Central Coast producer; using house-made preservation techniques such as ferments, vinegars, oleos or cordials; or developing a build that reduces waste or spoilage.

    Whatever you choose, be prepared to speak to it. Judges will ask.

Submissions must also include:

  • A brief narrative (inspiration, concept, or creative process)

  • A photo of each finished cocktail

  • Your name and contact information

Evaluation Criteria

Cocktails will be scored live by our judging panel on:

  • Sustainability of Concept — 30%
    Is the sustainable element genuine, well-sourced, and central to the drink?

  • Use of Weber Ranch — 25%
    Does the build allow the agave character to show, or does it bury it?

  • Balance & Execution — 25%
    Technique, consistency, and whether the drink is actually delicious.

  • Presentation & Story — 20%
    Can you sell it to a guest in thirty seconds?