World Class Kenya 2025 Showcase Best of Kenyan Bartending

The World Class Kenya 2025 Bartending Competition, now in its 10th edition, is back ready to push the boundaries of what’s possible in a glass.

Sponsored by Diageo and hosted by East African Breweries Limited (EABL), the competition kicked off in high gear this week with a Community Day that brought together Kenya’s top 40 bartenders shortlisted from a total of 163 submission at EABL offices.

Held on March 24, the Community Day was a masterclass in creativity.

This year, 301 bartenders registered for World class Kenya 2025, with 163 submitting applications, up from last year’s 268 registrations and 80 submissions narrowing down to the 40 standout mixologists who gathered at the EABL offices for a session of brand education and challenge briefing.

A highlight of the day was an immersive exploration of Don Julio tequila where the bartenders were taken through the brand’s rich heritage, from its agave fields in Jalisco, Mexico, to its smooth, complex flavors, setting the stage for a challenge that demands creativity, excellent presentation skills and deep understanding on the brand.

Tasked with crafting cocktails that tell a story, participants must reveal the “why” behind their creations, what’s the narrative and the inspiration, while also showcasing their drink’s versatility, highlighting its liquid credentials and weaving in sustainability initiatives that resonate with today’s global ethos.

“The 10th edition of World Class Kenya is back, and we’ve never seen this kind of excitement before. I’m beyond excited to witness our bartenders rise to this moment with Diageo brands as their canvas. This year’s submissions came from as far as Kisumu, Nyeri, Embu, Mombasa,” said Suwilanji Ngambi, EABL’s National Advocacy Manager.

“Through our immersive brand education, we’re arming these 40 talents with the tools to craft bold, innovative cocktails that tell unforgettable stories. I’m looking forward to seeing them sharpen their skills for the grand finale at the end of April, where Kenya’s finest will fight to represent us among over 60 nations battling for the global title, to be held in Toronto, Canada. This is our chance to show the world what Kenyan mixology can do.”

World Class 2025 promises to leave an indelible mark on Kenya’s bartending landscape, elevating the craft while inspiring a new generation of mixologists. The journey to crown the nation’s champion is underway and the world eagerly awaits the innovative cocktails and compelling stories that will emerge from this extraordinary competition.