Diplomático has officially opened entries for the 2025 Artisans of Taste competition, inviting bartenders around the world to create an original cocktail inspired by cocoa or chocolate. The international program celebrates craftsmanship, sustainability, and creative mixology, and continues to grow into one of the most distinctive bartender competitions in the spirits industry.
Artisans of Taste is built on four core principles: craft, community, sustainability, and creativity. Bartenders are encouraged to work with local producers, integrate homemade elements, and elevate their technique through thoughtful, purpose-driven preparation. Finalists from each country will advance to the global experience in April 2026, where winners will travel to Brazil for an immersive exploration of cocoa, culture, and the Diplomático world.
To participate, bartenders must attend one of the cocoa-focused educational masterclasses hosted in their region before submitting their recipe online. These sessions are designed to spark inspiration and provide deeper insight into ingredient sourcing, flavor layering, and artisanal craftsmanship.
This year’s rules are intentionally strict to drive originality. Cocktails may include a maximum of 50 ml of spirit at 40% ABV or higher, plus only five additional ingredients. All components beyond the rum must be homemade, local, or clearly purposeful, and all garnishes must be edible or food-safe. With cocoa as the mandatory theme, bartenders are encouraged to explore chocolate infusions, cacao-nib tinctures, fermented cacao, cacao-husk cordials, or inventive pairing elements that complement the character of Diplomático rum.
For bartenders, Artisans of Taste represents far more than a competition. It is an opportunity for global visibility, a platform to showcase modern craftsmanship, and a chance to join a community committed to sustainable, ingredient-driven cocktail culture. Diplomático’s emphasis on locality and environmental responsibility aligns with broader industry trends, rewarding creativity that values process and technique over exotic sourcing.
With cocoa at the center of this year’s challenge, the 2025 edition is set to deliver some of the most imaginative submissions to date. Expect bartenders to explore chocolate’s full flavor spectrum — its bitterness, complexity, savory depth, and its ability to elevate the richness of Diplomático rum.
Registration, full rules, and regional information are available at: diplomaticoartisansoftaste.com
