Opius Distillery & Tales of the Cocktail Present:
The Zero Proof Cocktail Competition
The Zero Proof Cocktail Competition, presented by Opius, is a nationwide search for the most talented zero-proof bartenders in America. We believe alcohol-free mixology is one of the most exciting frontiers in craft cocktails, and the ZPCC is where that talent gets to take center stage.
The competition runs in two phases: Round 1 opens March 24 with entrants submitting videos featuring their take on classic cocktails. Submissions will close June 23rd. Three finalists are unveiled on July 21st at Tales of the Cocktail, the world's leading cocktail conference. Round 2 will feature finalists competing in a Mystery Box round. The winner announced in New York at the Drinks With Benefits Summit on September 16th. Your contact information will be shared with Opius Distillery as part of your entry.
How to Enter
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01
Craft Your Classic Cocktail Create an original, zero-proof cocktail that puts your own spin on a classic. Your recipe must include at least 1 oz of one or more Opius expressions — Nigredo, Albedo, Amaro, and Rubedo — to work with. No alcohol. No limits on creativity.
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02
Film Your Entry Record a short video of yourself preparing and presenting your cocktail. Keep it focused, compelling, and authentically you.
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03
Submit Your Entry Submissions open March 24th, 2026.
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04
Wait for the Call Three finalists will be announced July 21st at Tales of the Cocktail. If selected, you’ll receive an Opius Mystery Box and an invitation to compete in Round 2.
Key Dates
- March 24, 2026 Round 1 Opens — Submit your Twist on a Classic
- June 23, 2026 Round 1 Closes — All submissions due
- July 21, 2026 Finalists Announced at Tales of the Cocktail conference
- August 25, 2026 Round 2 Closes — Finalists submissions due
- September 16, 2026 Winner Announced at Drinks With Benefits festival in NY
Judging Criteria
Round 1 — A Twist on a Classic
Participants will create a video showcasing the creation of a zero proof version of a classic cocktail. The video and cocktail will be judged on the following criteria:
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Innovation, Taste & Balance 25% How inventive is the twist? We’re looking for a delicious perspective we haven’t encountered before.
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Storytelling & Concept 25% A clear narrative behind your spin on the classic — Why this drink, why this twist?
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Visual Appeal 25% Video quality and the drink’s visual composition — color, glassware, garnish.
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Ease to Make at Home 25% Approachable ingredients, accessible technique, a recipe someone could follow the first time.
Round 2 — The Mystery Box
Three finalists each receive an Opius mystery box and brief to create a new cocktail and video. They have until August 25th to submit their video entry.
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Taste & Balance 25% Harmony of sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and texture — something you want another sip of.
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Innovation 25% How boldly you pushed the mystery ingredients somewhere unique & unexpected.
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Storytelling & Concept 25% How you interpreted the brief and made the mystery ingredients your own.
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Visual Appeal 25% Video quality and the drink’s visual composition — color, glassware, garnish.
Grand Prize
What You Win
- $10,000 Contract Content contract with The Daily Pour
- Opius Expressions Pack One case of each Opius expression (Nigredo, Albedo, Amaro, & Rubedo)
- Ambassador Opportunity A chance to become an official Opius Ambassador
Meet the Judges
Julie Reiner
Founder · Milady’s / Clover Club
Derek Brown
Founder · Drink Company
Charlotte Voisey
Executive Director · Tales of the Cocktail
Lucas Lambrechts
Founder · Opius
Andrew Eisbrouch
President & General Counsel · The Daily Pour
Submit Your Entry
Share a link to your zero-proof cocktail video along with a bit about yourself. Submissions are open March 24 – June 23, 2026.