The prestigious Diageo World Class cocktail competition is hosting a pop-up experience in Vancouver this fall

For the first time ever, one of the world’s most prestigious cocktail competitions is coming to Canada, and it’s bringing a ton of exciting events and programming along with it.

Diageo World Class, the world’s largest bartending competition, is set to host its global finals in Toronto later this month. But before that, it’ll be hosting five exclusive cocktail experiences from coast to coast — including one right here in Vancouver.

Get ready to sip on exclusive drinks crafted by incredible local talent and international bartending stars. Here are the details.

Exclusive cocktail experiences 

Diageo

It all kicks off at Vancouver’s Prophecy Bar, where host Jeff Savage will team up with guest bartender Orlando Marzo, founder of the premium bottled cocktail brand, Loro. It all goes down from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25.

Visit the award-winning Botanist at the Fairmont Pacific Rim the next night on Friday, Sept. 26, for the duo of Kaitlyn Stewart and Manabu Ohtake. Named World’s Best Bartender of the Year, Ohtake is coming all the way from Tokyo’s Palace Hotel to showcase his mixology magic for one night only. Don’t miss your chance to see these two pros behind the bar shaking things up!

Try a specialty cocktail menu crafted with spirits like Johnnie Walker, Don Julio Tequila, Ketel One, and Tanqueray Gin.

Diageo World Class 2025 

Diageo

Bartenders from over 50 countries will compete for the title at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto. This is the site where some of the world’s top cocktail culture will be front and centre, and where one very skilled mixologist will be crowned World Class Bartender of the Year.

Nurturing innovation and driving cocktail culture, World Class shines a spotlight on the craft, creativity, and skills of modern bartending and mixology.

Find more details about Diageo World Class and its and exclusive programming on the Diageo website.

Diageo World Class Proof pop-up Vancouver

When: Thursday, Sept. 25, and Friday, Sept. 26

Where: Prophecy Bar, 801 W Georgia St (Thursday) and Botanist at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, 1038 Canada Pl. (Friday)

 Time:

• Prophecy Bar: 8 p.m to 10 p.m.
• Botanist: 5 p.m to 7 p.m

Cost: Admission is free!