Bartender of the Year is a cocktail competition among bartenders who works in Sweden. This competiton is held annualy in two classes; classic style and flair. The winners of each class are representing Sweden (SBG) in the World Cocktail Championships.

The Swedish Championship (SM) in cocktailmaking has been arranged since the foundation of SBG in 1949. This new concept started with a change from the name "SM" to "Årets Bartender™" (Bartender Of The Year) in 2006.

It all started that SBG asked an eventcompany to help us out and construct the details, we wanted to create a new form for the competition. Together we found not only a new plattform for the competiton, but also a new PR-concept. All implemented with fresh new ideas, suited for the actual market situation.

To market this concept we have implemented a complete new website, a new logotype for the competition, SMS-invitations, professional and exclusive printings/invitations. The competiton itself also became changed. We have new and fair points for judging. Instead of words equal points, we are judging only with points -no words. The former technical award are gone; The Bartender of The Year is the one who masters both the drinkmixing session and the technical judgement. The jury who judge the drinks are placed in front of the stage, totally visible to the audience. This will show the audience how we are judging, no secrets here!

The competiton in 2007 was a success with a huge impact in media. And a lot of new, and young, bartenders became members of SBG. In 2008 we are using the quotation "Bartender -a real occupation", this quote will function as a theme allover the competition. This theme will show the society that being a bartender today IS a real occupation. The idea is also to strengthen the communication between SBG and the whole bartender-community in Sweden.

For more information please contact Mr Martin Bergqvist, president of SBG.