HCCM REGIONAL CHALLENGES EUROPE
18.10.2025
REGIONAL CHALLENGES EUROPE
From 18th to 20th October 2025, the 15 winning teams of bartenders from across Europe gathered in Germany’s vibrant capital for the second establishment of the Havana Club Cocktail Maestros Regional Challenges. The Berlin Regionals marked a key milestone on the road to the Global Finals in Havana, Cuba — blending competition, creativity, and camaraderie in true Havana Club style.
The event kicked off at The Grand, located in the heart of Berlin, where participants checked in, handed over their ingredients, and joined a lively icebreaker session before sharing dinner and first cheers together. This opening day set the perfect tone — relaxed, welcoming, a great opportunity to meet the other teams as well as the esteemed jury members: Maria Kontorravdis, bar manager of Shapes in London, Ian Burrell, and Stefan Adrian, Mixology Deputy Editor.
This first challenge, Liquid Harmony, invited all teams to present their national stage winning cocktail to their peers and the judges. This was not only an opportunity to showcase technical skills and storytelling, but also to celebrate each bartender’s unique approach to Havana Club’s spirit and versatility and what unique drink crowned each of them national winners. Each team served their cocktails to fellow competitors, who then casted votes in the Bartender’s Choice — a fitting tribute to the sense of mutual respect that defines the community. Between rounds, laughter and applause filled the room as bartenders exchanged ideas, admired each other’s creativity, and shared in the joy of discovery.
Liquid Harmony challenge saw a tie for the win, casting the highest vote counts for both:
Following Liquid Harmony, the spotlight shifted to Cuban Mode — a challenge that truly tested adaptability and teamwork. Inspired by the resourcefulness of Havana’s markets, participants had to craft a cocktail using only the ingredients available in a specially designed “Cuban Market,” trading limited tokens for each ingredient they intended to use.
With two hours to prep their ingredients and tailor their drinks and just five minutes to present to the judges, each team relied on instinct, skill, and collaboration. From the first shake to the final garnish, the atmosphere in the prep kitchen was one of friendly intensity — part competition, part celebration of craft. Each serve told a story of creativity under pressure, teamwork, and passion for Havana Club’s Cuban roots.
Discover all teams and their creations here.
Beyond the competition, the weekend was a true celebration of community. Between challenges, dinners, and informal bar visits around Berlin, teams bonded over their shared passion for hospitality and the diversity of their inspirations.
The event concluded with a heartfelt closing gathering, where all teams raised their glasses to friendship, shared learning, and the journey still ahead.
The Berlin Regionals crowned the European representatives who will carry their points and pride to the Global Finals in Cuba. But beyond rankings and results, what will stay with everyone who attended is the sense of connection — the realization that while great cocktails are made by hand, unforgettable ones are built together.
Cheers to all the talented bartenders who brought Havana Club’s spirit to life in Berlin — and to the next chapter of this extraordinary global adventure. ¡Salud!
