COCKTAIL COMPETITION

ENTRY FORM

OPEN UNTIL 12/10/25

FINALE HELD IN PERSON AT RULE OF THIRDS IN BROOKLYN IN JANUARY

RULES AND GUIDELINES

KURA SHOCHU COCKTAIL COMPETITION

Overview

Welcome to the inaugural Kura Shochu Cocktail Competition! We are searching for the most innovative and balanced cocktails highlighting Kura Shochu. This competition is open to all professional NYC-based bartenders. 

Competition Timeline

Entry Submission Period: Oct 24, 2025 - Dec 10, 2025

Finalist Notification: Dec 14, 2025

In-Person Finale Event: January, 2026

Entry Submission

Eligibility

  • Entrants must be 21 years of age or older.

  • Entrants must post a picture of their cocktail on Instagram (theirs or their restaurant/bar’s) and tag @kurashochu as well as @brooklynkura , and have the post up until the date of the finale.

  • Entrants must be professional bartenders or cocktail creators based in NYC, and include the name of their restaurant or bar in the cocktail application.

  • Each entrant may submit only one cocktail recipe. Bars/Restaurants may submit multiple entries by different bartenders. 

Cocktail Requirements

  • The cocktail must feature Kura Shochu as the primary spirit, at least 1.5 ounces.

    • Alcohol-based ingredients in the cocktail should not exceed 3.5 ounces (pre-dilution). 

    • The cocktail should have no more than 7 ingredients, including bitters, tinctures, etc, but excluding garnish and ice. 

  • The recipe must be original and created by the entrant.

  • Recipes should be submitted with clear measurements (ounces, dashes, etc.) and preparation instructions - able to be easily recreated. 

  • Garnish, glassware, and presentation details should be included.

  • Entrants will be required to recreate the cocktail in person for the finale at Rule of Thirds on November 24th, as well as provide miniature sample versions of the cocktails to guests. Please keep this in mind when choosing ingredients/techniques. 

Submission Process

Entries must be submitted via jotform to Kyle Davis at kyle@brooklynkura.com. The submission should include:

  • Full Name: 

  • Bar/Establishment Name:

  • Contact Email:

  • Phone Number:

  • Cocktail Name:

  • Photo of the Cocktail

  • Full Recipe: (attach as a PDF or Word document)

  • A brief description of the inspiration behind the cocktail, including how the name was chosen, and the thought process behind the flavors/ingredients chosen (max 150 words).

Selection Process

A panel of expert judges will review all submitted recipes based on the following criteria:

  • Creativity & Originality: How unique, innovative, and forward-thinking is the cocktail?

  • Balance & Flavor Profile: How well do the ingredients complement each other, and how harmonious is the overall taste?

  • Use of Kura Shochu: How well does the cocktail highlight and complement the flavor profile of Kura Shochu?

  • Recipe Clarity & Feasibility: Is the recipe easy to follow and reproducible?

Finalist Notification

8 selected finalists will be notified by Dec 14, 2025 via the contact information provided in their submission. Finalists will receive details regarding the in-person finale event at Rule of Thirds. 

In-Person Finale Event

The in-person finale event will take place in January, 2026 at Rule of Thirds. Further details regarding the venue and schedule will be provided to finalists.

Competition Format

  • Finalists will be required to prepare their submitted cocktail for a panel of judges, as well as 1.5-2 ounce sample pours to participants.

  • Each finalist will have a designated time slot to prepare and present their cocktail to the judges.

  • Bartending stations, ice, and basic bar tools will be provided. Finalists are responsible for bringing their unique ingredients, garnishes, and any specialized equipment.

  • Judges will evaluate cocktails based on flavor balance, presentation, inspiration, uniqueness, and overall impression.

Prizes

Prizes for the top three finalists will be announced prior to the finale event.

  • 1st Place: $250 cash prize 

  • 2nd Place: $100 gift card to Brooklyn Kura Taproom (can be used at the bar or for bottle purchase) 

  • 3rd Place: Bottle of Kura Shochu, Brooklyn Kura Sweatshirt/Swag. 

Important Notes

  • All recipes submitted become the property of Kura Shochu for promotional purposes.

  • The judges' decisions are final.

  • Kura Shochu reserves the right to modify rules or timeline if necessary. Any changes will be communicated promptly to all entrants.

For any questions, please contact Kyle Davis at kyle@brooklynkura.com.