TOTCF launches team-based bartending contest
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) has launched a US-based bartending competition with Brown-Forman-owned Jack Daniel’s called Proof of Concept.
The contest is held in a team-based format with pairs or trios invited to design a pop-up bar concept from scratch.
Submissions must have a defining theme, an immersive atmosphere and a menu of cocktails reflective of the team’s creative vision. Furthermore, the menu must feature at least two cocktails containing Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey or the Jack Daniel’s Bonded Series.
Applications are open until 12am PST on 15 February 2026, after which a judging period will be held and successful teams will then advance to the regional finals across the cities of Nashville, Miami, New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
Following this, national finals will take place in Nashville from 4-7 May with the winning team announced on 6 May.
TOTCF will coordinate flights, hotel accommodations, and travel stipends for five teams heading to the national finals. The competitors will also participate in a visit to the Jack Daniel’s distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, on 5 May.
The team emerging victorious from the national finals, will get a cash prize and a Tales of the Cocktail (TOTC) 2026 scholarship, including travel, hotel accommodations and meal stipends in New Orleans for all winning team members.
The winners will also receive VIP access and exclusive entry to Jack Daniel’s main stage event during TOTC, which will take place from 19-24 July under the theme ‘spark’.
The competition is open to bartender teams based in the same city or regional market. Entries with the pop-up bar concept can be made via the Jack Daniels website. Full eligibility details, submission requirements and official rules are available online.
The festival is also hosting a bartending competition with Diageo-owned Johnnie Walker, inspired by the world of haute couture.
Additionally, Tales on Tour has returned this year, taking place across five US cities with the aim of bringing education, community and cocktail culture to hospitality workers across the US.
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