SUB-ZERO

World Class U.A.E 2025

The Challenge

TANQUERAY 0.0

In the crucible of global finals, technical excellence isn't just about skill - it's about performing flawlessly under intense pressure. This advanced session focuses on honing your competition-ready techniques while maintaining composure when every second counts. From precision Ice carving to seamless execution of sub-zero flavour extraction, we'll dive deep into the technical foundations that separate good bartenders from World Class champions. Learn to execute complex techniques with confidence, maintain consistency under pressure, and incorporate cutting-edge methods that will set you apart on the global stage.

Challenge the UAE's finest bartenders to push the boundaries of cold-crafted cocktails where artistry meets temperature mastery.

Create a signature serve that combines:

Masterful ice carving that transforms the presentation
Innovative cold-temperature techniques that enhance flavor complexity
Strategic use of local tea house ingredients to add distinctive depth

Your signature creation should demonstrate technical excellence in both cocktail crafting and ice artistry, delivering a visually stunning serve that maintains its dramatic sub-zero presentation.

At your disposal:

Full access to a local tea house's ingredient selection
Standard cocktail ingredients and equipment
Ice carving tools and specialty ice

Success hinges on balancing creative vision with precise execution under pressure.

Your serve must showcase both technical mastery and artistic flair within the 5-minute timeframe.

DATE OF CHALLENGE

11am - 4pm, 11th March, Jossa, AlSerkal Avenue

FRAMEWORK & SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

BARTENDING TECHNIQUE

TASTE & BALANCE

AESTHETICS

NAME

Challenge Rules

PLEASE READ THESE RULES BEFORE SUBMITTING

This Programme is available to bartenders employed by a current DIAGEO Reserve Customers (see definition below) or customers who agree to become a Diageo Reserve Customer in exchange for the opportunity to participate in the Programme.
DIAGEO Reserve Customer is a customer which stocks and lists on the menu at least three Diageo Reserve Brand products, including but not limited to: Ketel One® Vodka, Tanqueray® No. TEN Gin, Don Julio ® Tequila, Zacapa® Rum, Bulleit® Bourbon, Johnnie Walker® Black Label Blended Scotch Whisky, The Singleton® Scotch Whisky, Talisker ® Single Malt Whisky, or Seedlip® Non-Alcoholic Spirit
Bartenders who have already won the title of Global World Class Bartender of the Year in any previous year are not permitted to compete in the programme but may act as mentors, trainers or judges as the Local Market or Global Brand Team see fit.
Bartenders are permitted to compete in the Global Final a maximum of two times. If they have already won the title of National World Class Bartender of the Year they may compete at the Global Final in successive years.
In addition to working in a Diageo Reserve Customer, the participants must:
1. be of legal drinking age in the relevant Local Market or older;
2. comply with the Rules and Regulations of the Competition;
3. comply with the Diageo Marketing Code (DMC); and
4. complete a World Class Studio seminar either online or in person, conducted by an official DIAGEO representative.

RECIPES

Signature Recipes entered must be the original creation of the competitor and if a competitor is thought to have obviously plagiarised a known, existing cocktail they may be disqualified.
All ingredients must be a measured quantity. i.e.. squeeze of half a lime” is unacceptable.
Recipes entered must be expressed in millilitres (ml) with the use of ‘dashes’ and/or ‘drops’ limited to bitters, hot pepper sauce and the likes.
Where a challenge specifies a lead RESERVE BRAND product at least 30ml (1oz) of the specific liquid must be used – unless otherwise specified.
The total combined alcoholic ingredients must be equivalent to no more than 90ml (3oz) at 40% alc./vol. (total alcohol equivalent to less than 36ml/1.2oz at 100% alc./vol.)

DRINK NAMES

Drink names including rude, lurid, sexual words, or words associated with narcotics or motor vehicles are prohibited and will be disqualified.
Drink names must not use references to fictional or cartoon characters associated with anyone under legal drinking age.

SCORING BREAKDOWN

We will give access to the scores to any participant after the completion of the challenge and all of the totals and scores have been tallied and double-checked.
All of the challenges have a slightly different balance of scoring points in each category to reflect subtly different requirements.