In Scotland this past October, Zana Möhlmann was named Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2026.
Zana Möhlmann of East47 at Conrad Singapore Orchard. Photos courtesy of World Class Canada
World Class is more than a cocktail competition. It’s an incubator for talent and mentorship, a showcase for sustainability and innovation—and a portal into predicting what’s hot and what’s next for global cocktail culture.
Diageo World Class Global Finals 2026 in Scotland was more than a cocktail competition. “At its core, World Class has always been about championing the people behind the bar,” says Michael Samoszewski, President, Diageo Canada. “Over the past 17 years, the program has grown into a global community of more than half a million bartenders, providing a platform where skill, hospitality and forward-thinking creativity are celebrated by and for the bartending community, both in Canada and worldwide.”
Leading up to October 2026, a field of more than 10,000 global entrants had been winnowed to 49 finalists at regional and national competitions. “Stepping onto the global stage in Scotland represents the pinnacle of competition in this industry,” says Samoszewski. “Each finalist brought distinct flair, technical precision and authentic passion to the competition and it was truly inspiring to see.”
The best of the best competed for a week, showcasing Singleton, Johnnie Walker, Don Julio, Ketel One, Tanqueray No. TEN and Seedlip Non-Alcoholic Spirit bottlings. “The way they brought Diageo’s Reserve portfolio to life, not simply through exceptional cocktails, but through storytelling, creativity and innovation, speaks to the extraordinary talent shaping the future of modern bartending,” says Samoszewski.
Canada’s Lucas Van Es of The Keefer Bar in Vancouver, World Class Canada Bartender of the Year 2026, was a global top 12 finalist and won the Community Spirit challenge by Ketel One.
First, finalists served cocktail and food pairings to judges aboard the luxury Northern Belle rail line to The Singleton’s Highland Glen Ord distillery, in The Slow Train challenge. Back in Edinburgh, each competitor used Don Julio tequila in bespoke cordials and cocktails in the Under Pressure challenge. They also completed a Community Spirit mystery-ingredient Martini challenge, blind-tasting and perfectly chilling Ketel One to order. The finalists combined speed and finesse in the Iconology challenge, serving a compelling Tanqueray No. TEN drink in just minutes; and Fast Forward, pairing Johnnie Walker cocktails to a mixtape telling their personal story. Finally, 12 semi-finalists hosted The Top Table, serving a three-drink menu consisting of no/low alcohol, place-inspired and wow-drink masterpieces to small groups of judges. In The Final Showdown, they served Destination Drinks in a uniquely Scottish finale.
The prestigious panel of 16 judges included last year’s winner, Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2025 Felice Capasso from Italy, and star bartenders from around the world. Zana Möhlmann of East47 at Conrad Singapore Orchard was crowned the Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2026. Originally from the Netherlands, Möhlmann captivated the international judging panel with her balance of technical precision, imagination, warmth and intuitive hospitality.
“World Class is the ultimate toast to the beating heart of the hospitality industry: rockstar bartenders pushing the boundaries of their creativity and skill through competition: hosting tirelessly, serving responsibly and setting the trends we’ll all experience in the future,” says Kevin Delaney, Global Head of World Class. “It’s a program dedicated to the trade, because when bartenders flourish, the experience is enhanced for everyone. We are delighted to welcome Zana into the Diageo World Class Hall of Fame.”
This year also saw the return of Spirited Women Scholarships. Programs like the Spirited Women Scholarships are part of Diageo and World Class’s ongoing dedication to breaking down barriers, elevating underrepresented voices, and creating tangible mentorship pathways within hospitality.
THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY:
Diageo World Class Canada,
DiageoWorldClassCanada.com
