Showcase your creativity, teamwork, and tropical spirit.
Compete for cash prizes and bragging rights.
The Ultimate Tiki Challenge at the St. Augustine Cocktail Festival is your opportunity to go head-to-head with the region’s finest bar teams. Design a themed booth, craft three original cocktails using sponsor spirits, and dazzle a live panel of tiki and cocktail experts — and 1,200+ festival spectators.
April 27–28, 2026
Embassy Suites, St. Augustine Beach, FL
3–5 Bartenders Per Team
3 Cocktails + Themed Booth + Expert Panel
Each team selects one of three themes to anchor their booth design, cocktail concepts, and storytelling.
Transport guests to a lush, faraway island. Think exotic botanicals, bold flavors, and an atmosphere that makes you forget you’re in Florida.
A vision of perfection — vibrant colors, flawless presentation, and cocktails as beautiful as they are delicious.
Rum, adventure, and legend. Dark spirits, hidden treasure concepts, and the swashbuckling energy of the high seas.
Design your booth around one approved theme. Visual storytelling is judged from the moment you set up.
Create three distinct cocktails built around sponsor spirits and products. Each must reflect your chosen theme.
Provide small, batched samples of each creation for festival spectators. Cups and ice supplied — teams handle preparation.
Present all three cocktails in glassware aligned with your theme. Vessels are part of the presentation score.
Emphasize collaboration, enthusiasm, and storytelling. The best tiki bars are as much about experience as the drink.
3–5 bartenders from the same establishment. A 10×10 ft booth space, tables with linen, ice, and small cups are provided.
Note: Teams are responsible for their own juices, syrups, garnishes, décor, and outfits. Sponsor spirits and select mixers will be provided by event organizers.
A panel of three tiki and cocktail experts evaluates each team across six criteria.
| CRITERIA | POINTS |
|---|---|
| Taste | 25 pts |
| Presentation | 25 pts |
| Storytelling / Name | 20 pts |
| Best Use of Sponsor Brands | 15 pts |
| People’s Choice | 10 pts |
| Showmanship & Execution | 5 pts |
| Total | 100 pts |
Top three teams take home cash awards and the recognition of being crowned Northeast Florida’s finest tiki competitors.
$750
$1,500
$500
Fill out the form below to register your team. Spots are limited to top bars in Northeast Florida — don’t wait.
April 19, 2026
“May the best tiki win. We look forward to seeing your team transport spectators to a tropical paradise.”
After thoughtful planning and conversations with our partners, we’ve rescheduled to April 2026 to deliver an even more elevated experience.
Thank you for your support we’ll see you this spring!
#StAugustineCocktailFest
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