FAQs

What is FUTURE ICONS?

A bartender competition celebrating classic cocktails and the riffs that could become the next icons. You’ll submit two serves, show your craft in bar, then battle it out at national and regional finals for serious bragging rights and an epic European “Spirit Trail” trip.

Who can enter?

Anyone based in the United Arab Emirates, Thailand or Singapore, who is of legal drinking age in their country and legally allowed to work there: 21 in the UAE, 20 in Thailand and 18 in Singapore. You’ll also need genuine love for classic cocktails and the drive to elevate them.

‍Not in one of those countries yet? Sit tight. More countries are planned from next year

How do I enter?

Complete the online form. You’ll share your details, your bar’s information, a Classic Cocktail using a Bacardi Limited brand and your Future Icon riff with recipe, method and a photo. Edits are allowed until the submission window closes.

What do I have to create?

Two drinks. First, a Classic Cocktail using one of our brands that must feature on your bar menu (permanent or temporary) throughout the promotion. The full list of eligible classics is available in the submission form.

Second, your Future Icon cocktail. This doesn’t have to be a riff on the classic serve you submitted. You’re free to use any Bacardi Limited brand as the base and push creativity in flavour, technique or story.

Any rules on recipes?

Yes. Each drink must include at least 30 ml of a specified Bacardi Limited brand and no more than six ingredients including the spirit. Ice and garnish don’t count unless they change taste or aroma. Homemade elements need simple, replicable sub-recipes.

Which brands can I use?

The lead brand must be from the Bacardi Limited portfolio and dominant by volume in your recipe. Any additional spirits must also be from the Bacardi group and sourced via appointed distributors. No non-Bacardi spirits should appear in your photos or assets.

Any content guidelines I should know?

Keep it legal, tasteful and responsible. No glamorising misuse of alcohol, no offensive names or imagery, no targeting under the legal drinking age and no IP infringement. Full content standards are in the T&Cs.

When do entries open and close?

Singapore opens 24 September 2025 and closes 10 November 2025, Singapore time.
Thailand opens 24 September 2025 and closes 10 November 2025, Indochina time.
United Arab Emirates opens 18 September 2025 and closes 20 October 2025, Gulf Standard Time.

What happens after I submit?

A panel will review all entries, and if you’re selected, you’ll hear from us after the closing date. Secret shoppers will then visit participating bars in each market to taste your cocktails, check presentation, technique, efficiency and garnish, and see how visible and recommended your serve is on the menu, back bar and social media.

What are the judging criteria?

See the detailed scorecards in the T&Cs, section 39.

When are national finalists announced and when are the national finals?

Finalists are announced on 15 January 2026 for the UAE and 9 February 2026 for Singapore and Thailand.

National Finals take place on 4 February 2026 in the UAE and 23 February 2026 in Singapore & Thailand.

Where does the regional final happen and when?

Bangkok, Thailand, 9 to 13 March 2026 (TBC). It’s a five-day mix of education, culture and two showdowns: the Individual Final and the Team Challenge.

Do I need to be able to travel?

Yes. You must be able to travel to Bangkok for the Regional Final if you qualify. If you win the big prize, you’ll also travel to Europe for the “Spirit Trail,” so you’ll need a valid passport and the ability to obtain a Schengen visa. We’ll support visa applications, but getting the visa remains your responsibility

What can I win?

Three national winners per country will receive a trophy and head to Bangkok for the Regional Final. At the regional level there are two top outcomes.
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The Future Icon (our individual regional champion), wins a trip to Europe plus invites, guest shifts, a feature on the Bacardi Freepour app and a judging spot next year (details TBC).
‍
The Team Challenge winners (three bartenders from the same country) also win the trip to Europe & guest shift exposure. If the individual winner is also on the winning team, the extra Europe spot is not reassigned.

When is the Europe trip?

25 to 29 May 2026 (TBC), covering France and Italy with flights, accommodation and meals during official programming included. You’ll handle personal travel insurance, any extras and any taxes due.

Can someone compete on my behalf if I can’t make it?

No. Entries are personal and non-transferable.

How will you use my entry content?

By entering, you grant the promoter permission to use materials from the competition for admin, publicity and social content worldwide. See the privacy policy linked in the T&Cs.