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– The 26th Mattoni Grand Drink (MGD) –
The 26th Mattoni Grand Drink (MGD) 2026 became the 13th World Championship in mixing non-alcoholic cocktails under the auspices of the International Bartenders Association (IBA). MGD 2026 took place in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic, May 1-3.
Each IBA Member Guild was invited to nominate one participant to submit a recipe for the Qualifying Round. Rob Husted was selected to represent Team USBG based on his performance in the Zero Proof Tourism Cup at the 2025 Pan-American Cocktail Championships. His submission during the Qualifying Round earned him a spot as one of the 20 Finalists for the 2026 Mattoni Grand Drink Final.
Rob felt a “sense of pride and accomplishment which echoed from every competitor that had the same opportunity to represent their country on a global level on the shared competition stage. “
“The Mattoni Grand Drink is much different than the IBA World Cocktail Championship or the IBA Pan-American Cocktail Championship. . .similar structures, rules, but different goals.” Rob continues, “this competition is a different monster as competitors are tasked to create a spirit-free and very low calorie cocktail paired with Mattoni Water. . . I loved the challenge of and I’m happy with the spirit-free cocktail I created.” And he should be happy, as his cocktail earned him 11th Place!
Speaking of water, the water of Karlovy Vary is celebrated in hot springs, local water fountains with pumps, and in the Mattoni water itself. While Rob regrets missing out on enjoying the natural hot springs next to the hotel, he did find the city of Karlovy Vary to be “pristine and almost Disney-like.” He appreciated the architecture, the welcoming and friendly people, and some great food and dinners shared with competitors from around the world.
One of Rob’s most memorable moments from the competition was seeing so many old and new faces from around the world. The “best way to compare it would be having that same feeling of when you went to your first USBG local chapter event and meeting other like-minded people and having some great conversations. Then, going to your first Regional Conference where those conversations grew, to a National Conference where these conversations grew to opportunities. . .now take that and make it global.”
Also competing in the 2026 Mattoni Grand Drink was USBG Miami Member, Liz Rodriguez, who represented Puerto Rico. Congratulations on your 7th Place finish, Liz!
Join us as we raise a glass to celebrate both competitors’ remarkable achievements and honor their hard work and creativity.
Rob said, “I’d like to say THANK YOU to all of the other competitors, staff, and sponsors of this event, USBG for the opportunity and big Thank You to Liz Rodriguez. . . for all of her help before and during the event.”
Rob’s advice for those looking to participate in competitions can be summarized as, competition builds community, and through that community comes purpose, connections, and new opportunities. Taking the chance to enter a competition—whether submitting a recipe or stepping on stage—can open doors that shape your entire path. The journey, including the sacrifices and setbacks, can ultimately lead to the pride and validation of representing your country on a global stage and realizing you truly belong there.
Who will be joining Team USBG in 2026? Follow @usbg on Instagram to watch the journey of the USCC Regional Finalists as they compete for a chance to advance to the USCC National Final on July 21 in New Orleans.