ALEXIS ORTEGA IS CROWNED 2026 U.S. BARTENDER OF THE YEAR IN THE TALES OF THE COCKTAIL FOUNDATION PRESENTS WORLD CLASS SPONSORED BY DIAGEO NATIONAL FINALS

Diageo (NYSE:DEO), with Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, named Alexis Ortega of Philadelphia as the 2026 U.S. Bartender of the Year at the World Class National Finals in Chicago.

Rhea-AI Summary

Diageo (NYSE:DEO), with Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, named Alexis Ortega of Philadelphia as the 2026 U.S. Bartender of the Year at the World Class National Finals in Chicago.

Ortega will represent the U.S. at the World Class Global Finals in Scotland and showcased two winning cocktails: First Call and Melone di Bella Vista.

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Key Figures

Top finalists: 15 bartenders Competition duration: 3 days Hospitality experience: 20 years +5 more

Top finalists

15 bartenders

Number of U.S. World Class finalists competing in Chicago

Competition duration

3 days

Length of World Class U.S. Finals in Chicago (May 11–13)

Hospitality experience

20 years

Alexis Ortega’s experience in hospitality

Global finalists countries

More than 50 countries

Number of countries represented at World Class Global Finals

Saline concentration

20%

Concentration of saline dropper used in First Call cocktail

First Call Mr Black

1 oz

Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur in First Call recipe

First Call Tequila Don Julio

0.5 oz

Tequila Don Julio Reposado in First Call recipe

Melone di Bella Vista Tanqueray

1 oz

Tanqueray No. TEN in Melone di Bella Vista recipe

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: May 12

5 events

1. May 12

   Non-alcoholic RTD launch

   24h Move

   -1.1%

   Ritual Zero Proof canned non-alcoholic cocktails added permanently to portfolio.

2. May 06

   RTD mini cans launch

   24h Move

   +5.3%

   Launch of 100ml single-serve Cocktail Collection cans for on-the-go occasions.

3. Apr 30

   Premium bourbon release

   24h Move

   +4.2%

   Limited 31-year-old Stitzel Reserve bourbon release with very small bottle run.

4. Apr 23

   World Cup campaign

   24h Move

   -0.1%

   Buchanan’s FIFA World Cup 2026 music-led marketing campaign and limited-edition bottles.

5. Apr 21

   Captain Morgan RTD launch

   24h Move

   -0.7%

   Captain Morgan Sliced Colada flavored RTD variety pack launch and related activations.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

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The country's top 15 bartenders competed in Chicago for the title and a chance to represent the U.S. at the World Class Global Finals in Scotland

NEW YORK, May 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Presents World Class Sponsored by DIAGEO has named Alexis Ortega of Philadelphia, PA as the 2026 U.S. Bartender of the Year, marking a defining moment in one bartender's career and the debut year of a transformative partnership championing bartending excellence. Hosted in Chicago, IL (May 11-13), the competition brought together the nation's Top 15 finalists, selected from a competitive national pool, for three days of rigorous, multifaceted challenges designed to test creativity, technical skill, and performance under pressure.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/diageo/9397651-en-2026-us-bartender-year-world-class-diageo-national-finals

Alexis Ortega was crowned champion, earning the honor of representing the United States at the World Class Global Finals in Scotland this fall, where he will compete against top bartenders from more than 50 countries. Ortega's victory wasn't just from technical precision, it was his ability to blend creativity, composure and hospitality in a way that consistently set him apart. With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, the Philadelphia mixologist is known for an approach that balances elevated craft with accessibility, creating experiences that feel as welcoming as they are inventive.

"World Class challenged me in all the best ways, pushing me to think on my feet, trust my instincts and bring my perspective as a storyteller behind the bar," says Alexis Ortega. "I'm grateful for the amazing community of peers who want to see you grow, succeed and raise the craft together. Representing the U.S. at the Global Finals is an incredible honor, and I'm ready to bring that same energy and a little dancing to the world stage."

This year marks the inaugural season of the collaboration between DIAGEO and Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, born from a shared vision to transform World Class into a platform for education, mentorship, community and career advancement – principles that were brought to life in the design and challenges showcased during the World Class U.S. Finals competition.

Over the first two days of competition, finalists took on three challenges designed to test both creativity and technical precision. Competitors crafted a Ketel One Vodka cocktail inspired by their personal heritage and bartending journey, developed the next trending coffee cocktail featuring Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, and went head-to-head in an eight-minute Speed Round, preparing six DIAGEO cocktails judged on balance, efficiency, skill, and hospitality. Following these rounds, the Top 5 highest scorers advanced to the final stage, where they faced two additional challenges with Tequila Don Julio Blanco and Tanqueray No. TEN before Ortega ultimately claimed the title.

"The level of talent on display this year reflects just how exceptional the U.S. bartending community continues to be," said Erin Creighton, Director of Marketing for On-Premise at DIAGEO. "What made this moment even more exciting is that it marked our first season alongside the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, where our commitment to elevating this community and creating meaningful opportunities for bartenders to grow really shined. Alexis brought his distinct perspective and a precision to craft, and we're proud to see him carry that momentum forward as he represents the U.S. on the road to the Global Finals."

"The U.S. Finals was an incredible showcase of what we set out to build in our first season presenting World Class sponsored by Diageo – a program that celebrates craft, community and the individuality of each bartender," said Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. "From the very first challenge, Alexis demonstrated not only skill, but a real sense of identity behind the bar. As we continue to support this talented group of finalists at Tales of the Cocktail 2026 this summer through our Tales Scholarship program, we are focused on creating more opportunities that champion bartenders and invest in their growth well beyond the competition."

Wondering what goes into a World Class cocktail? Alexis Ortega's two signature creations from the U.S. Finals showcase inventive flavor combinations and narrative-driven cocktail creation, which helped take him to the top:

ALEXIS ORTEGA'S WINNING COCKTAILS

• First Call
  • Ingredients:
    • 1 oz Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
    • .5 oz Tequila Don Julio Reposado
    • .5 oz Grapefruit Syrup
    • 1 Dropper Saline (20%)
    • Grapefruit Soda
    • Grapefruit Wedge for Garnish
  • Preparation:
    • Combine Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, Tequila Don Julio Reposado, grapefruit syrup and saline in a shaker with ice and shake thoroughly. Double strain into a Collins glass with ice. Top with grapefruit soda and garnish with grapefruit wedge.
• Melone di Bella Vista
  • Ingredients:
    • 1 oz Tanqueray No. TEN
    • .5 oz Chamomile Bitter Bianco
    • .75 oz Concentrated Honeydew Melon
    • .5 oz Centerbe
    • .25 oz Melon Liqueur
    • Compressed Melon Garnish
  • Preparation:
    • Add all ingredients in a mixing glass and stir well. Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass and garnish with compressed melon.

Follow @WorldClassUS on Instagram to keep up with Alexis Ortega's road to the World Class Global Finals and for highlights from this year's competition. For those interested in competing, stay tuned for updates on how to apply for the next World Class U.S. season. Please enjoy responsibly.

For more information about the program and updates on the Global Finals, visit www.worldclassus.com and follow @WorldClassUS on Instagram.

About Tales Of The Cocktail Foundation
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the global hospitality industry through education, advocacy, and community support. As the world's leading spirits education platform, the Foundation provides year-round programs and initiatives that foster professional growth and drive meaningful change. Each July, the industry gathers in New Orleans, the beating heart of cocktail culture and hospitality, for a one-of-a-kind conference that blends education, networking, and celebration like no other. Guided by its core pillars—Educate, Advance, and Support—the Foundation's impact extends far beyond the U.S. reaching professionals and communities around the world. Tales of the Cocktail will take place in New Orleans July 19-24, 2026. #totc2026

About DIAGEO North America
DIAGEO is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

DIAGEO is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about DIAGEO, our people, our brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit DIAGEO's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Follow us on Instagram for news and information about DIAGEO North America: @DIAGEO_NA.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alexis-ortega-is-crowned-2026-us-bartender-of-the-year-in-the-tales-of-the-cocktail-foundation-presents-world-class-sponsored-by-diageo-national-finals-302772916.html

SOURCE DIAGEO

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

Who won the 2026 U.S. Bartender of the Year title in World Class sponsored by Diageo (NYSE:DEO)?

Alexis Ortega of Philadelphia won the 2026 U.S. Bartender of the Year title. According to Diageo, he topped 15 national finalists during the Chicago competition and will represent the U.S. at the World Class Global Finals in Scotland.

What is the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Presents World Class sponsored by Diageo competition?

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Presents World Class sponsored by Diageo is a national bartending competition. According to Diageo, it focuses on education, mentorship, community, and career advancement through multi-day challenges testing creativity, technical skill, speed, and hospitality.

When and where were the 2026 World Class U.S. National Finals sponsored by Diageo (DEO) held?

The 2026 World Class U.S. National Finals were held in Chicago, Illinois, from May 11 to May 13. According to Diageo, 15 top U.S. bartenders competed over three days of rigorous, multifaceted challenges.

What cocktails did Alexis Ortega create to win the 2026 U.S. Bartender of the Year title?

Alexis Ortega’s winning cocktails were First Call and Melone di Bella Vista. According to Diageo, these drinks combined inventive flavors and narrative-driven concepts, featuring brands like Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, Tequila Don Julio, and Tanqueray No. TEN.

How were finalists judged in the 2026 World Class U.S. National Finals sponsored by Diageo?

Finalists were judged through multiple challenges assessing creativity and technique. According to Diageo, tasks included heritage-inspired Ketel One Vodka cocktails, a trending coffee cocktail with Mr Black, an eight-minute speed round, and final rounds using Tequila Don Julio Blanco and Tanqueray No. TEN.

How can bartenders apply for future World Class U.S. seasons sponsored by Diageo (NYSE:DEO)?

Interested bartenders can monitor official World Class U.S. channels for application details. According to Diageo, updates on future U.S. seasons and the Global Finals are shared at www.worldclassus.com and via the @WorldClassUS Instagram account.