Cuba is preparing to crown its first World Cocktail Queen

Havana is preparing to crown its first World Cocktail Queen in March 2026, when Cuba hosts the first “Queens of Bartending” Women’s Cocktail Championship from March 7 to 10 at the Meliá Cohiba Hotel.

This historic event, endorsed by the International Bartender Association (IBA) and with Havana Club as the main sponsor, will bring together the world’s 30 best bartenders in a competition that promises to revolutionize mixology. This was revealed at a press conference held at the venue of the international event, which was attended by its organizers.

Eddy Naranjo, president of the Cuban Bartenders Association, which has been running for over 100 years, highlighted the importance of this event: “This isn’t just another championship. When we proposed to the IBA that a competition exclusively for women be created, we knew it had to be born here, where cocktails are part of our identity.” The initiative arose after the success of the International Women’s Championship held in Cuba in 2025, which demonstrated the country’s ability to organize world-class events.

The participants, selected from more than 60 countries, will face four technical challenges: aperitifs (light cocktails), long drinks (larger volume drinks), sparkling drinks (bubbly creations), and after dinner drinks (complex drinks). The four finalists must create a unique cocktail live using Havana Club products, presenting it in English to an international jury. Rider Fuentes, vice president of the organizing committee, explained: “It’s not just about technique, but about telling a story through every sip.”

In addition to the title of “Global Cocktail Queen,” awards will be given for the best cocktail in each category, the most refined technique, and the IBA Rising Star for the most promising bartender aged under 24.

It was also revealed that Grupo Havanatur S.A. is hosting the event, and activities have been prepared for visitors to experience the essence of the island, including visits to Havana Club distilleries, tours of Old Havana, events at legendary bars such as Floridita and Bodeguita del Medio, and networking opportunities with international experts. “We want them to experience the authentic flavor of Cuba,” Fuentes emphasized.

The event will coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8, reinforcing its message of equality in the industry. Upcoming milestones include the selection of the event representative, the publication of the official rules in September 2025, and the grand finale in Havana in March 2026.

“This championship will not only crown a winner, but will also mark a turning point for women in global cocktails,” Naranjo concluded. With its unique blend of tradition, innovation and festive spirit, Cuba is poised to write a new chapter in the history of global mixology.