Cocktail Competition for the 2025 CBAA National Conference in Madison, Wisconsin

Building on the enthusiasm and success of the 2012 “Vandercook Cocktail Competition” and the 2016 CBAA Nashville conference cocktail competition, the intrepid Portland, OR team, under the leadership of Barb Tetenbaum and Marilyn Zornado, is announcing a new cocktail competition in honor of the upcoming CBAA conference in Madison.

Submissions can reflect an aspect of the gastronomic personality of the state of Wisconsin. Dairy products and beer are obvious influences, but did you know that Wisconsin has the highest per capita consumption of flavored brandies in the US? Many classic cocktails will substitute brandy for whisky or bourbon. Watch the YouTube video below for inspiration. Submissions can reflect the theme of the conference: Embracing the Tangible: Fostering Interdisciplinary Connections in Book Art. They can also reflect something about Wisconsin or Madison history.

Submissions will be judged on: visual interest, flavor, and concept related to Wisconsin or the CBAA conference theme.

To submit your recipe:

Specify all ingredients, amounts, garnishes, temperature, preferred glass, and any mixology equipment in your recipe.
If your recipe requires hard-to-find ingredients, you must send these by post to the organizer (see address below).
If your cocktail includes hard to find garnishes or objects, assemble your cocktail and send a photo of the complete drink.
include a statement explaining your recipe design and concept, as this will feature in the decision of the judges.
indicate if you plan to attend the CBAA conference

Winner/s will be announced at the upcoming CBAA Conference in Madison this June. The winner of the competition will receive an award certificate and a yet-to-be-announced prize. Other awards may be given at the discretion of the judges.

The winning cocktail will be created and served at the Madison conference at the cocktail reception just before the banquet.

Send your recipes, photos, statement, any special ingredients and contact information (phone, address, email) to:
CBAA Cocktail Competition c/o Barb Tetenbaum :: 7907 N. Wabash Ave. :: Portland, OR 97217
or via email: tetenba@reed.edu

Deadline for submissions: Sunday, April 20, 2025

Inspiration video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K0Hc-fhltE&ab_channel=ManitowocMinute