ToyCocktail
The Spielwarenmesse cocktail competition
The 2026 Spielwarenmesse ToyCocktail is called “Hot Velvet” and comes from the bar Castros Bar & Event. At the competition on 24 November at last year's winner, Gelbes Haus in Nuremberg, seven bartenders competed from around the metropolitan area. Plenty of mixing, shaking and stirring took place – Alisa Deppner was given the highest score by the judging panel. Silver went to die rote Bar, while third place was taken by Herrengedeck.
Recipe of the winner "Hot Velvet"
From 2 – 6 February 2027, the drink will be served for special events at the world’s leading fair and in all participating bars.
FAQ
No previous experience is necessary to take part. Whether you are an experienced bartender or a newcomer - anyone can take part. The only requirement is that the bar must be located in the metropolitan region.
All ingredients for the cocktail must be easily obtainable, e.g. from Metro, Fruchtecke Schlosser or Yourbar - finest spirits. Homemade ingredients are prohibited. The drink may contain a maximum of five ingredients; drops and dashes also count. The total amount of ingredients may not exceed 7 cl. Participants are free to choose how to prepare the drink: it may be prepared by hand in a mixing glass, in a shaker or in a blender. All ingredients must be stated in the recipe in cl, drops or splashes. In addition to the alcoholic version, please also think of a non-alcoholic version!
The competition is held at the end of the year so that the winner can be included in the marketing measures in the run-up to the trade fair. The venue is the bar of last year's winner. All participants will receive a separate invitation by mail.
After a short welcome, we draw lots to determine the order. This is followed by live mixing in front of the expert jury. Each participant mixes eight versions of their cocktail creation. Three versions are intended for the jury, one for the photo. In the event of a play-off, the remaining four drinks will be used. The jury is made up of three renowned cocktail experts, including members of the German Bartendes Guild. They judge the drinks according to the official rules of the German Bartenders' Union. So it's not just about the taste, but also the appearance, aroma and preparation of the cocktail.
Participants can gain competition experience in a relaxed atmosphere. Attractive shopping vouchers await the 1st to 3rd place winners. The winning cocktail will also be available at various locations during the Spielwarenmesse. Local press representatives are also invited to the competition to report on the ToyCocktail in the run-up to and during the fair. In addition, various publications are planned on Spielwarenmesse's social media channels.
The winning cocktail will be served during the Spielwarenmesse at the evening events (e.g. opening ceremony). In addition, all participants undertake to offer the winning drink with the words "Spielwarenmesse ToyCocktail" in their bar during the fair.
