Calling all mixologists, bartenders, and spirit connoisseurs! 

Step in the spotlight and show off your skills. We’re calling on bartenders from across the region to compete in our Indiana & Michigan Barcraft competitions. Represent your bar, craft and original cocktail, and put your creativity and technique on display.

Competition Details:

1. Bartenders will build a cocktail recipe based on a list of ingredients (available in the sign up form) and Journeyman spirits
2. Journeyman will source the ingredients for each cocktail recipe and schedule time for prepping and batching onsite at one of our locations.
3. Bartenders will come onsite to prep and batch their cocktails. Ingredients, spirits, and storage containers will be provided by Journeyman. Bartenders are required to bring jiggers, shakers, and all tools needed to prep and batch.
4. On competition day, bartenders will arrive before the competition to finish their prep and be ready to present their creation at a booth designated to them.
5. During the competition, guests will migrate between booths, interacting with each bartender and taste their creations. Once they have tasted through the room, guests will have an opportunity to vote for the best cocktail – “Best-In-Show – People’s Choice”, Second Place, and Third Place Prizes will be given.
6. A panel of community judges will be present and score each cocktail to award a “Best-In-Show – Judges” Prize.
7. Winners will be announced right before the end of the event.

Prize Details:

1st Place (Judges – Best in Show): $500 Cash  

1st Place (People’s Choice – Best in Show): $500 Cash + $500 to a Charity of Your Choice + Trophy 

2nd Place (People’s Choice): $100 Cash Prize 

3rd Place (People’s Choice): $50 Cash Prize 

Spots are limited—sign up now and make your mark on the local cocktail scene!

Please email [email protected] if you have any additional questions.

APRIL 21, 2026 | Valparaiso, IN

• March 22, 2026 – Bartender Sign-Up / Cocktail Submission Deadline  

• April 8th – Recipe Final Confirmation 

• April 15-20, 2026 – Scheduled On-Site Prep & Batching 

• April 21, 2026 – Competition Day

SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 | Three Oaks, MI

• Bartender Sign-Up / Cocktail Submission Deadline  

• Recipe Final Confirmation 

• Scheduled On-Site Prep & Batching 

• September 15, 2026 – Competition Day