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A number of incredible submissions were received for Shake It Up 2025, the USBG National Cocktail Competition which identifies the US Classic Champions for the International Bartenders Association (IBA) Global Competitions.
In addition to submitting a signature cocktail, applicants were asked to submit a video cocktail demonstration and 1-minute inspiration story.
Two panels of judges reviewed each submission with the recipe portion being evaluated anonymously. The scores were combined to determine the Top 5 highest-scoring entrants who will advance to the Shake It Up Classic Cocktail Competition National Final in Las Vegas on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, on the Spotlight Stage at the Bar & Restaurant Expo.
The 2025 Shake It Up Classic National Finalists are:
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A Life of Flavours Felipe Castro C Salt Lake City, UT @lettherebecheers |
Paradise Peach Yolanda Gregg Charlotte, NC @landieg803 |
Updated Nostalgia Connor Perry Ann Arbor, MI @connorthebartender |
Tropical Muse Liz Rodriguez Miami, FL @Lizbar25 |
Yes Chef Jonathan Stanyard Seattle, WA @thebittergringo |
Earlier this year, Flair Bartenders had the opportunity to compete to advance to the Shake It Up Flair National Final that will take place on the Spotlight Stage at the Bar & Restaurant Expo in Las Vegas on Wednesday, March 26.
The 2025 Shake It Up Flair National Finalists are:
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Mariano Gil, Jr. Brownsville, TX @marianonanogiljr |
Mike Hastings Nashville, TN @upandcomingflair |
Manuel Picon Miami, FL @manny_the_mixer |
Harry Rivera Las Vegas, NV @harry.rivera5 |
Kenjiro Yanagi Las Vegas, NV @kenjiro.yanagi |
During the Shake It Up National Finals, both the Classic and Flair Finalists will be competing in a challenge to create a cocktail using an assigned spirit and present it using IBA Standards.
Both the Champion and Runner-Up of each division will join Team USA to represent the US. The Champions will advance to the World Cocktail Championship (WCC) in Colombia in Fall 2025. The Runners-Up will advance to the Pan-American Cocktail Championship in Chile in Fall 2025. Watch for opportunities to cheer on Team USA at both events as a spectator!
Sponsored By:
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Ice Sponsor: Hoshizaki |
Glassware Sponsor: LAV HORECA |
If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Sheila Rosario at srosario@usbg.org or schedule a call HERE.
2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo
Bar & Restaurant Expo has partnered with the USBG to provide a 10% discount for members who would like to attend and cheer on the Shake It Up National Finalists, sample new beverage flavors at the Cocktail Clubhouse, connect with others during Industry Meetups, elevate their skills and knowledge through bartender conference sessions, and much more! To view the full 2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo schedule, click here.
To register for Bar & Restaurant, Click Here. In Step 2 of registration, enter the promo code USBG to receive a 10% discount off your pass.
Congratulations Shake It Up National Finalists! Good luck in Las Vegas!