Welcome to the Drinkit Mixology Championship!
We're glad to have you here. Find all the key information about the championship, including the date, venue, and competition details. If you'd like to take part, you can submit your application right here!
About the Championship
Every year, we organise a championship for our team to come together, learn, grow, and gain new experiences. It's one of the ways we support our team and create opportunities for professional development.
This year, you can be part of the event too!
The championship is open to anyone passionate about coffee and drink creation: baristas, barista trainers, mixologists, F&B professionals, as well as home brewers. No previous experience in competitions is required.
Check the schedule for the event: This year, you can be part of the event too!
The championship is open to anyone passionate about coffee and drink creation: baristas, barista trainers, mixologists, F&B professionals, as well as home brewers. No previous experience in competitions is required.
Participants for Final Round
Congratulations to everyone who made it through the online stage! We can't wait to see you compete live at the championship on July 10!
Meet the participants advancing to the next round!
Guests Application Form
We accept guests applications via the site— we don’t charge any fees, as we want everyone to enjoy the atmosphere with us!
A note: If you are attending as a guest, please fill out a short form on our website. This will help us estimate the number of visitors and prepare the venue, but it will not limit entry to the event. Guest registration is only for estimating the expected number of attendees.
A note: If you are attending as a guest, please fill out a short form on our website. This will help us estimate the number of visitors and prepare the venue, but it will not limit entry to the event. Guest registration is only for estimating the expected number of attendees.
You can post a video on Instagram showing how you make your drink and a short intro about yourself, and tag our account. We will choose the results and participants on 01/07. Follow us so you don’t miss the announcement.
Championship Rules
The championship is open to anyone passionate about coffee and drink creation: baristas, barista trainers, mixologists, F&B professionals, as well as home brewers. No previous experience in competitions is required.
The championship consists of 2 stages — online and offline.
Participation is free — we don’t charge any fees, as we want everyone to have a chance to join the event and gain new experience.
Online Stage, Individual, 25-01 of July
Offline Stage, work in the team of 2, 10 of July from 10AM till 5PM
Participation is free — we don’t charge any fees, as we want everyone to have a chance to join the event and gain new experience.
Online Stage, Individual, 25-01 of July
Offline Stage, work in the team of 2, 10 of July from 10AM till 5PM
From June 25 to July 1st, participants must upload a video of their signature coffee drink on Instagram. Based on creativity, recipe, and the final drink, we will select 20 finalists.
We will publish the results on our Instagram Stories and on this website. We do not disclose the selection criteria for Stage 1.
If you pass, you will be notified via WhatsApp as well (make sure to leave the correct phone number).
We will publish the results on our Instagram Stories and on this website. We do not disclose the selection criteria for Stage 1.
If you pass, you will be notified via WhatsApp as well (make sure to leave the correct phone number).
On July 10 at the Victoria Arduino Lab, participants will compete in teams of 2. You will prepare a drink using the provided random ingredients and serve it to 2 sensory judges within a limited time. Judges will evaluate your drinks based on sensory and presentation scoring sheets.
We accept applications from 25/06 to 01/07 inclusive.
Participation is free — we don’t charge any fees, as we want everyone to have a chance to join the event and gain new experience.
The championship takes place in 2 stages: online from June 25 to July 1, and final event is on July 10.
Participation is free — we don’t charge any fees, as we want everyone to have a chance to join the event and gain new experience.
The championship takes place in 2 stages: online from June 25 to July 1, and final event is on July 10.
The online stage will take place from June 25 to July 1, and the final event will be on July 10.
To take part in the championship, you need to complete 2 steps:
To take part in the championship, you need to complete 2 steps:
- Fill in all fields in the application form below — this will help us identify you among other applicants.
- Record a video and post it on your Instagram feed (you can make it a simple reel or a carousel with videos and pictures) with your signature coffee drink recipe and tag @drinkitcoffee. Without this, we won’t be able to see your creativity and mixology talent.
- Completing the form and tagging @drinkitcoffee
- Video evaluation — we focus only on creativity, originality of the drink, and presentation, not on video quality or editing.
Start with a short self-introduction (who you are, which company you work for, and why you want to take part in the championship).
Then show your signature coffee drink and explain how to make it.
Then, prepare your signature drink, show its presentation, explain the coffee used in the drink (country of origin and processing method), list the ingredients, and describe the flavor profile.
Show the final result after preparation.
Then show your signature coffee drink and explain how to make it.
Then, prepare your signature drink, show its presentation, explain the coffee used in the drink (country of origin and processing method), list the ingredients, and describe the flavor profile.
Show the final result after preparation.
Coffee must be included in the drink in one of the following formats: espresso, batch brew, pour over, or coffee concentrate.
Each participant may submit only one completed application and one signature drink recipe.
When recording your video, please specify the coffee you used, including roast level, origin, processing method, and flavor notes (if available). At this stage, transparency is important for us. It doesn’t matter whether your coffee is exceptional or basic — we want you to make it a key element of your drink and talk about it.
If you plan to participate as a team, the recipes must be original and must not repeat each other. The same drink cannot be submitted by multiple participants.
Each participant may submit only one completed application and one signature drink recipe.
When recording your video, please specify the coffee you used, including roast level, origin, processing method, and flavor notes (if available). At this stage, transparency is important for us. It doesn’t matter whether your coffee is exceptional or basic — we want you to make it a key element of your drink and talk about it.
If you plan to participate as a team, the recipes must be original and must not repeat each other. The same drink cannot be submitted by multiple participants.
If you don’t have a teammate, the organisers will randomly assign 20 participants into teams of two.
All finalists must attend a workshop at Victoria Arduino on July 8. There you will get familiar with the equipment and take a short mixology masterclass.
The final competition on July 10th will have only one round. Each team will get a time slot and a set of random ingredients to create a coffee-based signature drink.
You will have 10 minutes to create your signature recipe. After that, you will have 7 minutes to prepare 2 drinks for 2 sensory judges and present them, explaining the ingredients, preparation method, and taste experience.
The team that finishes on time and scores the highest will win.
The final competition on July 10th will have only one round. Each team will get a time slot and a set of random ingredients to create a coffee-based signature drink.
You will have 10 minutes to create your signature recipe. After that, you will have 7 minutes to prepare 2 drinks for 2 sensory judges and present them, explaining the ingredients, preparation method, and taste experience.
The team that finishes on time and scores the highest will win.
Since the competition is team-based, the winning team of 2 will receive SCA coffee education worth AED 8,000.
The final rules, score sheets, and rules and regulations, along with the list of equipment, will be published on our website after July 1.
The score sheets will be based on SCA and World Barista Championship judging standards (but simplified) and will include key evaluation criteria such as flavor, taste balance, mouthfeel, overall taste experience, and presentation.
The score sheets will be based on SCA and World Barista Championship judging standards (but simplified) and will include key evaluation criteria such as flavor, taste balance, mouthfeel, overall taste experience, and presentation.
The judging panel will include coffee and bar industry professionals, as well as judges from national SCA championships. Their experience helps ensure fair and professional evaluation.
We believe this is a great opportunity for participants to become familiar with the championship scene and gain insight into the standards and structure of professional competitions.
The names of the judges will be announced after July 1.
We believe this is a great opportunity for participants to become familiar with the championship scene and gain insight into the standards and structure of professional competitions.
The names of the judges will be announced after July 1.
Yes! Guests are welcome to attend the championship and support the participants. We would be happy to see you there.
At the moment, there is no limit on the number of guests. We expect around 60–70 visitors on the event day, while the venue can accommodate up to 100 people.
At the moment, there is no limit on the number of guests. We expect around 60–70 visitors on the event day, while the venue can accommodate up to 100 people.
Rules and Regulations and Judges Scoresheets
Here you'll find the championship rules and judges' scoresheets, along with everything you need to know about the competition format, scoring system, and structure to help you prepare, create, and perform with confidence!
Sensory Scoresheets
Sensory judges' scoresheets, including sensory evaluation, team presentation and teamwork :)
Sensory Scoresheet
Rules And Regulations
Everything you need to know about the championship in one place — the competition format, schedule, rules, workflow, available ingredients and equipment, judging criteria, and other important details.
Rules & Regulations are here:
Head Judge Scoresheet
The Head Judge scoresheet for uniformity, overtime and sensory judge's team :)
Head Judge Scoresheet
Judges for The Final Stage
The judging panel will include coffee and bar industry professionals, as well as judges from national SCA championships. Their experience helps ensure fair and professional evaluation.
We believe this is a great opportunity for participants to become familiar with the championship scene and gain insight into the standards and structure of professional competitions.
We believe this is a great opportunity for participants to become familiar with the championship scene and gain insight into the standards and structure of professional competitions.
- Dragoslav DzudovicThe Head JudgeEducator, trainer, coach, World Coffee Championships Certified Judge, Q grader, roaster and most importantly, friend and supporter of the coffee community
- Estella ZuletaThe Head JudgeHead of Coffee at RoR Coffee Solutions, SCA Authorized Trainer (AST), Q Grader & Q Instructor, and World Coffee Championships Certified Judge.
Passionate about coffee science, water chemistry, sensory analysis, and developing coffee professionals through education, mentorship, and international competition. - Russell SanchezSensory JudgeRussell Sanchez is a distinguished beverage professional and Regional Brand Ambassador for Mathieu Teisseire Middle East, with over two decades of expertise in luxury hospitality, mixology, and beverage innovation. A UAE World Class Champion by Diageo and internationally recognized competition judge, he has built a reputation for excellence in cocktail craftsmanship, brand development, and industry mentorship. Through his leadership, creativity, and commitment to elevating beverage culture, Russell continues to shape and inspire the global hospitality landscape.
- Jane EspanteSensory JudgeFrom Grain & Grind, specializing in coffee consultancy and menu development. World Cezve/Ibrik 2026 Champion, UAE Cezve/Ibrik 2026 Champion, UAE Coffee in Good Spirits 2025 Champion, and UAE Brewers Cup 2024 3rd Place. SCA Authorized Skills Trainer (AST) and CQI Q Processing Professional
- Mariano CondeSensory JudgeMariano is an experienced mixologist, bar manager, and beverage consultant with extensive expertise in cocktail program development, hospitality, and beverage innovation. He has led bar operations at Sucre Dubai, Alma Bar, and Puerto 99, where he developed signature cocktail concepts, built beverage programs, and managed bar teams.
Mariano is a certified Agave Spirit Sommelier, holds a WSET Level 1 certification, and completed the International Bartender and Advanced Bartender programs at the European Bartender School in Barcelona. He is also 2nd Place The Urban Cocktail Collective (MMI)
An active member of the international bar community, Mariano has judged at HORECA Riyadh 2024 and HORECA Kuwait 2026, and has participated in major industry events including Gulf Bar Show and Taste of Agave. His expertise, creativity, and judging experience make him a valuable member of the Drinkit Mixology Championship judging panel. - Hibatul WafiSensory JudgeWafi is the Head of Coffee and Beverage, a Q Arabica Grader, and an experienced barista coach. He has also previously served as a judge at the Drinkit Championship, bringing strong sensory expertise, structured evaluation skills, and deep coffee knowledge to the judging panel.
Event Schedule, July 10th
Detailed Event Schedule and Mixology Championship Program
Throughout the day, you can explore signature drinks created by Oatly and Drinkit, enjoy great music, snacks, and a selection of sweet treats and compliments from Mirzam — including their delicious hot chocolate.
Want to make it more fun? You’ll be able to decorate your drinks with glitters and join inspiring workshops led by professionals from the F&B industry.
Our MC host and DJ will keep the energy high and the vibe going all day long.
It’s going to be a fun, warm, and welcoming day — we can’t wait to see you there!
Throughout the day, you can explore signature drinks created by Oatly and Drinkit, enjoy great music, snacks, and a selection of sweet treats and compliments from Mirzam — including their delicious hot chocolate.
Want to make it more fun? You’ll be able to decorate your drinks with glitters and join inspiring workshops led by professionals from the F&B industry.
Our MC host and DJ will keep the energy high and the vibe going all day long.
It’s going to be a fun, warm, and welcoming day — we can’t wait to see you there!
10:00 Strict! :)
10:00 Strict! :)
Championship' Start
10:00 – 12:30
10:00 – 12:30
Participants' Presentations
12:30 – 14:00
12:30 – 14:00
Break Time
13:00 – 13:30
13:00 – 13:30
Workshop: Beverage Menu Development
Tim Tikhomirov Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab
13:30 – 14:00
13:30 – 14:00
Workshop From Bean to Bar cocoa lecture & Tasting
Laura Garcia Mirzam Chocolate Makers
14:00 – 15:30
14:00 – 15:30
Participants' Presentations
15:30 – 16:00
15:30 – 16:00
How Acidity Changes and Evolves in a Drink
Mohamed Alameeri Palate Coffee Roastery
16:30 – 17:00
16:30 – 17:00
Awards ceremony
Workshops during the Event
To make the event even more exciting, we've prepared a series of workshops led by professionals from the F&B industry, alongside the competition and other activities.
-
Tim Tikhomirov from Jumeirah Marsa Al ArabBeverage Menu DevelopmentThe presentation is from 13:00 till 13:30
For Hospitality professionals at all levels who want to gain a deeper understanding of menu development. Whether you are a barista, bartender, bar manager, restaurant manager or anyone involved in creating or operating food and beverage concepts, this session will provide valuable insights into the logic behind successful menu design -
Laura Garcia from Mirzam Chocolate MakersMIRZAM Luxury Bean-to-Bar Chocolate ExperienceThe presentation & tasting is from 13:30 till 14:00
Join Laura Garcia from Mirzam Chocolate Makers for an immersive journey into the world of luxury bean-to-bar chocolate.
This session will explore the origins of cacao beans from different regions around the world and how their unique characteristics influence the flavor profile of the final chocolate. Participants will gain insight into the bean-to-bar process, discovering how carefully sourced cacao beans are transformed into Mirzam's award-winning chocolate bars.
The workshop will also highlight how factors such as origin, terroir, climate, and processing methods create distinct tasting notes and flavor experiences in chocolate.
The experience concludes with a tasting of Mirzam's signature hot chocolate, where participants will learn what makes it different from conventional hot chocolate. Unlike powdered mixes, Mirzam's drinking chocolate is made from real chocolate that is freshly ground directly into the cup, creating a richer and more authentic chocolate experience.
The origins of cacao and its journey around the world
Understanding bean-to-bar chocolate making
How cacao origin influences flavor and tasting notes
The craftsmanship behind Mirzam chocolate
The difference between drinking chocolate and traditional powdered hot chocolate
Guided tasting of Mirzam drinking chocolate
The workshop is open to all chocolate enthusiasts, food lovers, hospitality professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about premium chocolate craftsmanship. -
Mohamed Alaameri from Palate Coffee RoasteryHow Acidity changes and evolves in the drinkPresentation & Tasting is from 15:30 till 16:00
Together, we'll discover how acidity shapes a coffee's profile and experiment with espresso-based mocktails to see how different ingredients transform the final cup. Expect guided tastings, practical insights, and a few fun sensory activities along the way.
Target Audience:
Whether you're a barista or simply passionate about coffee, this workshop will give you practical insights into flavor pairing, sensory evaluation, and coffee mixology.
Live Streaming
Watch the Drinkit Mixology Championship live on our website! Use the YouTube player to watch the livestream and event recordings.
Partners and Sponsors for the Championship
The Drinkit Mixology Championship is supported by our partners and sponsors. Learn more about our partners and sponsors on our website.
About Drinkit
Drinkit is a coffee shop chain that combines technology with the traditional coffee ritual to make your daily cup easier, faster, and more affordable.
We also have a digital app where you can place orders in any Drinkit coffee shop.
This allows you to pre-order in the app and pick up your drink without waiting, and enjoy our loyalty program to save more over time.
This design removes the barrier between guests and baristas, making the space feel both cozy and tech-forward.
Join The Team
We are actively growing and developing, and from time to time we look for people to join our team who share our goals and values.
If you would like to become part of the team, you can apply via Indeed.
Learn more If you would like to become part of the team, you can apply via Indeed.
