COFFEE IN GOOD SPIRITS

What is Coffee in Good Spirits?

Coffee in Good Spirits combines specialty coffee and mixology. Competitors create alcoholic coffee cocktails that highlight both the coffee and the spirit in a balanced, creative, and tasty way. Using the event coffee provided, competitors will have a limited time to prepare their drinks live in front of judges and the crowd, with scoring focused on taste, coffee clarity, creativity, technique, and overall presentation. Open to both professionals and passionate home enthusiasts.

How does this work?

Each competitor will have a set competition time to prepare and serve their drinks live for the judges. Competitors may use any legal spirits, liqueurs, syrups, garnishes, or additional ingredients, however the coffee must remain a clear and intentional component of the final beverage. The event coffee will be provided by the organisers and may be used as espresso, filter, cold brew, or another brewed preparation unless otherwise specified.

Competitors are responsible for bringing any specialty ingredients, glassware, or tools they wish to use during their performance. Basic competition equipment, water, ice, and milk will be provided. Pre-prepared syrups, infusions, and garnishes are permitted, however fully pre-batched final cocktails are not allowed. Judges will score competitors on taste and balance, coffee flavour clarity, creativity, presentation, and technical execution.

The competition is designed to be fast-paced, entertaining, and accessible to both hospitality professionals and passionate home competitors. Competitors must follow RSA requirements and maintain a clean and organised station throughout their performance. Finalists may advance into head-to-head elimination rounds depending on competitor numbers.