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From the West Regional stage to the USCC Finals at Tales of the Cocktail — congratulations to James Nordine of @usbgsf, your 2026 USCC West Regional Champion! 🏆🥃

A huge performance at Lovely Rita earned James the top spot and a chance to represent the West on one of the industry’s biggest stages.

Cheers to all six finalists for an unforgettable competition filled with creativity, hospitality, and serious craft. 🔥

#usbg #uscc #iba #bartenders #cocktail

Keynote with William H. Macy at Bar Summit—storytelling, insight, and a room fully locked in.

Sponsored by Woody Creek Distillers.

#usbg #barsummit

Keynote with William H. Macy at Bar Summit—storytelling, insight, and a room fully locked in.

Sponsored by Woody Creek Distillers.

#usbg #barsummit

Keynote with William H. Macy at Bar Summit—storytelling, insight, and a room fully locked in.

Sponsored by Woody Creek Distillers.

#usbg #barsummit

Keynote with William H. Macy at Bar Summit—storytelling, insight, and a room fully locked in.

Sponsored by Woody Creek Distillers.

#usbg #barsummit

Keynote with William H. Macy at Bar Summit—storytelling, insight, and a room fully locked in.

Sponsored by Woody Creek Distillers.

#usbg #barsummit

Keynote with William H. Macy at Bar Summit—storytelling, insight, and a room fully locked in.

Sponsored by Woody Creek Distillers.

#usbg #barsummit

Keynote with William H. Macy at Bar Summit—storytelling, insight, and a room fully locked in.

Sponsored by Woody Creek Distillers.

#usbg #barsummit

United States Bartenders’ Guild, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Announce New Partnership

The initial collaboration will happen in parallel with Tales of the Cocktail 2026 in New Orleans, July 19-24. There, a champion will be crowned in the inaugural United States Cocktail Championship (USCC) National Final.

Launched in 2026, the USCC is a nationwide competition designed to identify, elevate, and celebrate American bartending talent—from local communities to the global stage. Through this program, USBG selects Team USBG, the bartenders who will represent the United States in competition against the top bartenders from more than 70 countries on the global stage at the IBA (International Bartender Association) World Cocktail Competition (WCC) in Macau, China and IBA Invitational competitions throughout the year across the continents.

Said USBG Executive Director Bo Shuff, “Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, through their events, education and awards serves a vital role in building the beverage and hospitality community worldwide. Our work at the US Bartender’s Guild dovetails with those efforts by strengthening communities city by city, region by region. We’re thrilled to collaborate with Tales on expanding the stories we collectively share about the people who make our community what it is.”

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Executive Director Charlotte Voisey commented, “We are pleased to be collaborating with the USBG in ways that ultimately provide greater access for more bartenders to the educational experiences that can further their professional development.”

Read More HERE: https://tr.ee/b2WmQV_V_G

First time competing solo—and Brandon Bui stepped onto the USCC stage ready, representing the Orange County chapter. 🔥

Working with Wolhfert Clutch Coffee Liqueur, he highlighted the balance many look for—where coffee liqueur isn’t overly sweet or bitter, but just right for the cocktail

Inspired by the coffee culture of Orange County, Brandon also broke down what a “pantry” means in today’s cocktail world while taking in the energy backstage alongside fellow competitors

For those on the fence about competing? Just go for it—because moments like this are what push the craft forward

#usbg #uscc #iba #bartenders #cocktail

Kicked off FIFA World Cup season with the @usbgphilly at Ballers for a Trade Happy Hour with @the_professor26 ⚽🥃🍸

We got a taste of two cocktails you’ll be seeing at bars all across the city throughout the World Cup the Casamigos Margarita & the Buchanita.

With @casamigos, @buchananswhisky & @donjuliotequila all official sponsors of the FIFA World Cup, it was the perfect way to bring together Philly bartenders, hospitality, cocktails & good vibes ahead of the excitement taking over the city.

🍹 CASAMIGOS MARGARITA
Casamigos Blanco Tequila, Lime Juice & Agave Nectar

🥃 BUCHANITA
Buchanan’s 12 Year Old Deluxe & Pineapple Juice

@ballersphilly @fifaworldcup @visitphilly @centercitysips

#FIFAWorldCup #USBGPhilly #CenterCitySips #VisitPhilly #Casamigos DonJulio BuchanansWhisky

Your 2026 USCC West Regional Champion: James Nordine of @usbgsf! 🏆🔥

After an incredible day of competition at Lovely Rita, James now moves on to represent the West Region at the United States Cocktail Championship Finals at Tales of the Cocktail.

Congratulations to James and all six finalists who brought passion, creativity, and craft to the stage. 🥃

#usbg #uscc #iba #bartenders #cocktail

Six finalists. One stage. One more moment before the results are revealed. 🥃🔥

The 2026 United States Cocktail Championship West Regional finalists at Lovely Rita after an incredible day of competition.

#usbg #uscc #iba #bartenders #cocktail

Repping Seattle. 🔥

Greg Allen, USCC West Regional finalist, takes the stage at Lovely Rita

Bringing a passion for hospitality and a dedication to the craft, Greg joins a talented field of bartenders from across the region for this year’s competition

Live competition. No filters. Just craft. 🥃

#usbg #uscc #iba #bartenders #cocktail

Repping her hometown of Portland. 🔥

Hayley Jaggar, USCC West Regional finalist, takes the stage at Lovely Rita

With experience behind the bar at Too Soon and a start in the industry at 15, Hayley’s approach is rooted in genuine connection—sharing martinis, community, and a love for the craft with everyone she meets

Live competition. No filters. Just craft. 🥃

#usbg #uscc #iba #bartenders #cocktail

Repping the Los Angeles community. 🔥

Crystal Mendoza, USCC West Regional finalist, takes the stage at Lovely Rita

Originally from Texas and now behind the bar at Death & Co LA, Crystal blends a background in marketing with a passion for hospitality—bringing big energy to both service and large-scale events while building community along the way

Live competition. No filters. Just craft. 🥃

#usbg #uscc #iba #bartenders #cocktail

Repping Maui and the Hawaiian Islands. 🔥

Edgar Rodriguez, USCC West Regional finalist, takes the stage at Lovely Rita

With a decade in the industry, Edgar’s passion is rooted in creativity and hospitality—bringing the spirit of Aloha to life while showcasing the rich blend of cultures that define Maui

Live competition. No filters. Just craft. 🥃

#usbg #uscc #iba #bartenders #cocktail

Repping Orange County and the @ocusbg community. 🔥

Brandon Bui, USCC West Regional finalist, takes the stage at Lovely Rita

With nearly a decade across both front and back of house, Brandon’s approach leans into savory, food-driven cocktails built with unorthodox ingredients—where kitchen meets bar in the best way

Live competition. No filters. Just craft. 🥃

#usbg #uscc #iba #bartenders #cocktail