The Daily Pour Launches Nationwide Zero Proof Cocktail Competition Sponsored by Opius
New York, NY – Modern drinks guide and experiential platform The Daily Pour on Tuesday announced the launch of the Zero Proof Cocktail Competition, sponsored by Opius, the award-winning producer of non-alcoholic elixir. The nationwide competition will celebrate the most creative minds in non-alcoholic mixology and build upon The Daily Pour’s dedication to the future of beverage culture. Alongside Opius, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation – the world’s leading cocktail conference and education platform – will play a key role in judging.
The Zero Proof Cocktail Competition invites bartenders, creators and beverage innovators across the United States to showcase their talents by crafting original zero-proof cocktails that reinterpret classic recipes using Opius expressions. Through storytelling, technique and creativity, participants will compete for industry recognition and the opportunity to help shape the future of alcohol-free mixology.
“Creating sophisticated non-alcoholic adult drinks is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing frontiers in beverage culture,” said Derek Brown, Drink Company founder and Zero Proof Cocktail Competition judge. “This event is the perfect showcase for talented creators to highlight their craft and the innovation unfolding on the non-alcoholic stage today.”
Submissions open March 24, inviting creators to reinterpret classic cocktails with an alcohol-free twist using one or more Opius expressions. Entries will be evaluated based on creativity, storytelling, cocktail quality and visual presentation. Three finalists will be selected and announced at Tales of the Cocktail in July, where judges will gather to celebrate the finalists and the evolving non-alcoholic cocktail movement.
Finalists will then move on to a second-round challenge, receiving a mystery-ingredient kit from Opius to create a new cocktail concept and video entry. The ultimate winner will be crowned in New York City on September 16, 2026, at the Drinks With Benefits Summit, part of the Drinks With Benefits Festival hosted by The Daily Pour.
The competition has an illustrious panel of judges, including Julie Reiner, founder of Clover Club and Milady’s; Derek Brown, founder of Drink Company and non-alcoholic beverage advocate; Charlotte Voisey, executive director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation; Lucas Lambrechts, founder of Opius; and Andrew Eisbrouch, president of The Daily Pour
Competition Timeline
- March 24: Submissions Open Nationwide
- June 23: Submission Deadline
- July 21: Finalists Announced at Tales of the Cocktail
- August 25: Final Round Submissions Due
- September 16: Winner Announced at Drinks with Benefits Summit in New York
Grand Prize
The winner of the Zero Proof Cocktail Competition Sponsored by Opius will receive:
- A $10,000 content partnership with The Daily Pour
- An Opius Expressions Pack, including Nigredo, Albedo, Amaro and Rubedo
- The opportunity to become an official Opius Ambassador
Participants can enter by submitting a 60-90 second video showcasing their zero-proof cocktail inspired by a classic recipe using Opius products. Video entries must include a short bio, the story behind the drink and the cocktail recipe. Video submissions should include a link to your uploaded video on any public-facing platform (Instagram, X, YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, etc.). Then share that link to [email protected]. The title of the subject line of submission emails should be: First Name, LAST NAME – Zero Proof Cocktail Competition
Full competition details are available at https://thedailypour.com/zpcc
About The Daily Pour
Founded in 2024 by TV personality and host Dan Abrams, The Daily Pour is a leading beverage media platform shaping modern drinking culture across spirits, zero-proof, and functional drinks. Through expert reviews, proprietary scores, editorial storytelling, and high-impact digital and live experiences, we connect brands with engaged audiences. To learn more, please visit: thedailypour.com
About Opius
Opius produces a collection of award-winning non-alcoholic botanical spirits crafted to deliver the depth, complexity, and ritual of traditional cocktails without alcohol. Designed for modern drinkers seeking balance and flavor, Opius expressions are built to elevate the zero-proof cocktail experience.
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About The Daily Pour
Founded by Dan Abrams, The Daily Pour is the ultimate drinking guide for the modern consumer, covering spirits, non-alcoholic and hemp beverages. With its unique combination of cross-category coverage and signature rating system that aggregates reviews from trusted critics across the internet, The Daily Pour sets the standard as the leading authority in helping consumers discover, compare and enjoy the best of today's evolving drinks landscape.
