New Jersey Club Management Association Championz Gin Cocktail Competition 2026

Official Rules & Regulations

Eligibility

• The competition is open exclusively to bartenders employed at country clubs registered as members of the New Jersey Club Management Association (NJCMA).

Competition Structure

• Each contestant must create and present two original cocktails:
  1. A pre-dinner cocktail (aperitif-style)
  2. An after-dinner cocktail (digestif-style)
• They need to prepare 3 samples of each original cocktail for the Judges to taste and for photographs.
• Championz Gin is the exclusive and only gin for the competition and must be the primary spirit used in ONE of the two cocktails.
• Bartenders may use up to THREE (3) additional ingredients per cocktail, including liqueurs, syrups, bitters, herbs, spices, or infused beverages. The total number of ingredients is limited to FOUR (4) ingredients.
• Each cocktail must be the original creation of the competitor. Originality may be demonstrated through subtle modifications, such as a change in garnish or the substitution or addition of a single ingredient.

Time Limit

• Contestants have five minutes per cocktail to prepare and present their drinks. They need to prepare 3 samples of each cocktail for the Judges to taste and for photographs.
• The garnishes can be prepared before hand.

Judging Criteria

Each cocktail will be scored based on the following categories:

1. Appearance – Presentation (inc. name), glassware, and garnish.
2. Aroma – Balance and appeal of the scent.
3. Taste – Complexity, balance, and harmony of flavors.
4. Creativity – Innovation in recipe and technique.
5. Mixing Skills – Technique, precision, and execution.
6. Hygiene – Cleanliness and professionalism.
7. Time Management – Efficiency and composure under time constraints.

• Scores from both cocktails will be combined to determine the overall winner.

Awards & Recognition – A Floating trophy and a total of $1,000 in prize money will be awarded to the competition winners.

🏆 Categories include:

• Best overall Mixologist
• North Jersey Champion
• South Jersey Champion
• Best pre-dinner and post dinner cocktail (other than overall winner’s submission).
• People’s Choice

Winners will be featured in NJCMA’s official publications and social media.

Final Event Details

• The competition final will take place at Spring Brook Country Club, NJ on November 3rd 2026.
• The judging panel will consist of NJCMA club management representatives and a professional mixologist.

Registration & Submission

• To participate, complete the official entry form and submit it via email to and Rosemary Panno at md@njcma.org and cocktail@championzgin.com.
• Enrollment deadline: Oct 17th 2026.
• The organizer reserves the right to make final decisions regarding the competition.
• By participating in the NJCMA Championz Cocktail Competition 2026, contestants grant the New Jersey Club Management Association (NJCMA) and Championz Gin the right to photograph and record the event, including images of participants, cocktails, and presentations. NJCCA and Championz Gin may use these photographs, videos, and cocktail recipes for promotional purposes, including but not limited to social media, websites, and marketing materials, with appropriate credit given to the competitor and their respective club.