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NJCMA Cocktail Competition

OFFICIAL RULES

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)
    • 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.
  • The garnishes can be prepared beforehand.

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.

WHAT YOUR GET

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.
WHERE?

Final Event Details

  • The competition final will take place at Spring Brook Country Club 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 formand submit it via email to and Rosemary Panno at md@njcma.org and cocktail@championzgin.com.
  • Enrollment deadline: October 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 Ginthe 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.
DOWNLOAD Official entry form
BECOME A CHAMPION

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sample drinks

Here are three sample drink names specifically designed for a country club-themed cocktail competition, along with detailed critiques for each:

🥇 01.

The Clubhouse Clink

Vibe: Classic, social, and celebratory.

Strengths:

  • Relatable Setting:Immediately evokes the familiar image of the country club — social spaces, camaraderie, and post-round toasts.
  • Alliteration:Makes it catchy and fun to say.
  • Flexible Concept:Can work well for both pre-dinner or post-dinner style drinks.

Critique:

  • Slightly playful — make sure the drink’s presentation and flavor sophistication match the name. Otherwise, it risks sounding too casual if the drink itself is elegant.
🥈 02.

Final Round

Vibe: Sophisticated, sporty, and subtly competitive.

Strengths:

  • Sport-Driven:References golf or racquet sports — perfect for the country club scene.
  • Double Meaning:Suggests both the final round of a game and a final round of drinks, which makes it clever and memorable.
  • Strong Suitability for Digestif:The name feels like a closer, making it ideal for the after-dinner cocktail category.

Critique:

  • Slightly more serious in tone — could be perceived as less “fun” than others, so balance it with a bright, creative garnish or warm presentation.
🥉 3.

19th Hole Twist

Vibe: Witty, insider reference with a modern update.

Strengths:

  • Instant Recognition:“19th hole” is classic country club slang for the bar after a round of golf.
  • The Word ‘Twist’: Adds modern flair and signals a new take on a traditional post-golf drink.
  • Built-In Garnish Play:Opens the door for a literal citrus twist or a twist on a classic cocktail format.

Critique:

  • Some judges unfamiliar with golf lingo might not connect immediately. Including a quick explanation during presentation (“A modern gin cocktail for the ‘19th hole’—the best part of any round”) solves that.