Celebrating the U.S. Winners of the 2026 Bols Cocktail Battle: A Journey to Amsterdam

Exciting News from the 2026 Bols Cocktail Battle

Lucas Bols has unveiled the winners of the 2026 Bols Cocktail Battle, shining a spotlight on the talents of U.S. bartenders Rebecca "Becca" Ardman from Boston and Michael "Mike" Sanz from Los Angeles. Recognized as champions from the East and West Coasts respectively, Ardman and Sanz will be heading to Amsterdam to represent the United States at Cocktail Fever, an immersive global bartender event hosted by Bols.

The Winners and Their Winning Creations

Ardman's cocktail, dubbed SPF-U, is an innovative creation inspired by her memories of a tranquil beach at sunset, evoking the scents of tanning oil and the warmth of sand. In contrast, Sanz's cocktail, Fire and Ice, reflects his culinary perspective by juxtaposing bold flavors and ice, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Becca Ardman's SPF-U

Becca’s SPF-U is a layered cocktail that features a mix of BOLS Banana Liqueur, BOLS Blue Curacao, Partida Tequila, and Frangelico, topped off with pineapple-cinnamon foam. The process involves combining the liquid ingredients in a shaker, shaking with ice, and straining them into an antique coupe glass. The foam tops the drink, garnished artfully with a flower and grated nutmeg, resulting in not just a drink, but a story served in a glass.

Mike Sanz's Fire and Ice

On the other hand, Mike's Fire and Ice cocktail embodies the culinary arts by merging contrasting flavors. This cocktail comprises BOLS Blue Curacao, BOLS Elderflower Liqueur, gin, lemon, lavender bitters, and chili-spiced hot honey syrup. The preparation involves a unique dry-shake method to develop foam, followed by a shake with ice for a well-chilled outcome, served in a chilled coupe glass. This concoction not only tantalizes taste buds but also showcases the artistry involved in mixology.

The Journey Ahead: Cocktail Fever

Both Ardman and Sanz will participate in Cocktail Fever in Amsterdam, a two-day event that hosts winners from around the globe. This immersive experience includes training sessions at the BOLS Cocktail Academy, exploration of the Lucas Bols distillery, exclusive seminars, and networking opportunities with bartenders from various countries. It promises to enhance their skills and connect them with a vibrant bartending community.

Ignacio Llaneza, Vice President of Marketing for Lucas Bols in the USA and Canada, expressed how Ardman and Sanz embody the essence of the BOLS Cocktail Battle, showcasing creativity and exceptional flavors. He stated, "Their cocktails illustrate the versatility of BOLS Liqueurs and the imaginative possibilities they provide for bartenders."

Honorable Mentions

The competition also featured strong contenders, with Ardman winning the East Coast category ahead of Carlos Flores and Nicole Greenwell, while Sanz led the West Coast, outshining Kate Brown and Azalea Barr. Their success reflects the talent and innovation within the U.S. bartending scene.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Bols Cocktail Battle is an esteemed competition supported by industry leaders like CHILLED Magazine and Difford's Guide, ensuring strong visibility for participants. With plans for the competition to return in 2027, bartenders across the United States will have another opportunity to showcase their skills. Participants are encouraged to keep an eye out for announcements regarding the new theme and entry details.

Founded in 1575, Bols is celebrated not just for its historical significance but also for its dedication to high-quality liqueurs and cocktail culture. With over 450 years of heritage, Bols continues to inspire bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike, making waves across the global spirits landscape.

For insights on the 2026 winners and updates on future competitions, fans and followers are encouraged to visit the official Bols website. As Ardman and Sanz prepare for their journey, they embody the vibrant legacy and future of cocktail artistry.