Creativity, technique and nerves were put to the test in this competition. For the first time, Mijas hosted this provincial cocktail-making contest. This is the 2026 Young Bartender Cocktail Grand Prix, organised for the fourth consecutive year by the Malaga & Costa del Sol Bartenders’ Association.

“It is students from hospitality schools who are taking part, and this year, for the first time, we are also including promising young talents who are already starting out in the private sector, those who have already finished their studies and are now gaining experience for the future”, explained the president of the bartenders’ association, Julián Villora.

 

“The truth is that it has taken a lot of effort to bring this event here. It takes place every year and, as a National Reference Centre for Hospitality, we decided to bring it to Mijas to hold the competition with the participation of the other hospitality schools in the province”, commented Raquel Hidalgo-Barquero, director of the CRN Hostelería-CIOMijas.

Support

The Cocktail Gran Prix is backed by organisations and institutions such as the Mijas Town Hall, the Regional Government of Andalusia, Málaga Provincial Council and the 'Sabor a Málaga' brand, among other partners and sponsors who actively support the development of the hospitality sector.

 

“We are fortunate that, within the range of opportunities offered by CIOMijas centre, the training of professionals who will serve the tourism sector is key to ensuring we can offer visitors the very best of Mijas”, said Francisco Jerez (Vox), councillor for Tourism at the Mijas Town Hall, who attended the event’s opening.

A booming sector

For the Bartenders’ Association, the event reaffirms its commitment to training, talent and the professionalisation of future industry leaders. “The aim of this competition is to integrate mixology into classrooms and training programmes, as we are making great strides on the Costa del Sol. All self-respecting businesses looking for that extra bit of prestige are now incorporating cocktails into their menus", added Villora.

He also noted that although Spain has traditionally been known for simple mixed drinks (combinados), “the evolution that mixology is undergoing is thanks to professionals doing things properly".

 

“It’s a fantastic initiative by the association. When we told the students about it, they said, ‘Finally, something for front-of-house staff'. Usually, when people talk about gastronomic events, they only think of food, but the world of drinks is actually amazing, and events like this help to promote it”, said Jesús López, a front-of-house lecturer at La Cónsula Hospitality School.

CIO, National Reference Centre

The 2026 Young Bartender Cocktail Grand Prix has once again positioned itself as an essential date in the professional calendar for Málaga’s hospitality sector. Regarding the venue, Hidalgo-Barquero added: “Our goal is to promote young talent and training, connecting it with this National Reference Centre for Hospitality that we are lucky to have in Mijas".

 

Following the competition’s success, new initiatives are already planned for CIOMijas. “I want to propose that the regional championship be held here too. It serves as a qualifier for the professional-level Spanish National Championship, which this year will focus on the coffee category”, revealed Villora, who noted that his association has 64 years of history and boasts the highest number of national champions in the country.

The Grand Prix

Throughout the day, there were presentations, round-table discussions by professionals on the current state of the hospitality industry and training centres, product presentations by partner companies and, of course, the competition, the most eagerly awaited moment. “We have practised 19 cocktails for the contest, plus two surprise ones. We need to know how to prepare them, choose the right glassware and so on”, said young Carolina Paloma.

 

At 18, this student on the Hospitality and Catering degree at IES La Rosaleda admits that “the world of cocktails is beautiful; I love that you can create your own recipes and develop a personal style”. Feeling a little nervous about the competition and while chatting with her teacher and some classmates before taking part, Palomo explained that this was her first time competing and that her goal is to continue studying, to be as well-trained as possible.

Creativity and talent put to the test

During the event, participants had to demonstrate their skills in creating original proposals, testing their technique and innovation before a specialist panel. “Above all, what we value is the young person’s development, that they aren’t too nervous; that the cocktails are well-balanced, that is undoubtedly the most important part; that the tools are used correctly, following the standards they have already learned in school”, explained Jesús Lómbreras, representative of OTC Group Spain and a member of the jury.

The tasting jury’s role is also crucial, “accounting for 60 per cent of the overall score”, Lumbreras pointed out.

 

“A good bartender needs an immense knowledge of spirits alone", added the lecturer. “The hardest part is the interaction with the customer”. As the experts say, having a cocktail is "a complete gastronomic experience". “Nowadays, the concept of the mixologist and, most importantly, the bartender, is what makes the difference”, he concluded.

And although the competition was the highlight of the Grand Prix, and a real spectacle to watch the young people preparing the drinks, the truth is that for the organisers and participants, the event represents more than just a contest. It is also a professional networking space where students, trainers, and companies in the sector share knowledge and generate new opportunities.

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