Teams will serve 1x Espresso to the judge.

The coffee selection will be provided by our coffee partner and presented closer to the events. The Espresso can be of any ratio and size but must contain AT LEAST one (1) single espresso shot. The Espresso can be served in any avaliable cup size.

During service, teams will have to deliver 1x Flavour Descriptor and 1x Texture Descriptor. If teams deliver more than one descriptor, the judge will only record the first descriptor.

**The Head Judge may choose this beverage to judge, in that case you will make 2x of this beverage.

Teams will serve 1x drink made with Plant Based Beverage to the corresponding judge.

The Plant-Based Beverage must contain AT LEAST one (1) single espresso shot. This can be served hot or cold and in any available cup size with any quantity of Plant-Based Beverage.

The drink does not need to be a classical cappuccino, it can be any combination of Alternative milk and espresso. NO ingredients other than espresso, alternative milk and ice may be added to this drink. This drink can be served hot or cold.

**The Head Judge may choose this beverage to judge, in that case you will make 2x of this beverage.

Teams will serve 1x filter coffee to the judge. The beverage may be served hot or cold.

The coffee selection will be provided by our coffee partner and presented closer to the event. The teams must serve at least 100ml of coffee. Teams may decide on the quantity of brewed coffee that they produce. Equipment/brewing methods available for use may vary from event to event and will be presented closer to the competition.

During service, teams will have to deliver 1x flavour descriptor and 1x texture descriptor. If teams deliver more than one descriptor, the judge will only record the first descriptor.

**The Head Judge may choose this beverage to judge. In this case each judge must receive at least 100ml of coffee in each of their cups.

Teams will prepare 1x glass of a cold brew mocktail.

The mocktail must use any combination of the two provided coffees brewed by our friends at Toddy Cold Brew. The drinks may also include any of the ingredients from our ingredients table which contains a variety of syrups, fresh citrus fruits, soda water, tonic and ice.

Competitors can also bring their own ingredients for a personal touch, provided they do not include alcohol, coffee, syrups, any dairy/alternative dairy products or sweeteners (Sugar, Maple Syrup, Honey, artificial sweeteners)

Competitors have the option of bringing their own cocktail glasses (max 20cl) for a personal touch.

**The Head Judge may choose this beverage to judge, in that case you will make 2x of this beverage

In addition to the five main judges, each team will serve a mystery customer selected from the audience. This customer, arriving with the judges for the final 8 minutes of service, will choose a drink from a menu of up to six options (e.g., Hot Chocolate or Chai Latte, varying by event).

The mystery customer scores the team out of 5 points based on service, taste, appearance, and quality, which contributes to the overall score. The Mystery judges are announced before each team’s turn, baristas have creative freedom with the drink recipes using the provided ingredients.

**The Head Judge cannot select this beverage to judge.

During the first 7 minutes, teams will preparing their station and drinks. When there are 8 minutes remaining, all judges will be brought to the table to be served. At this time, the Mystery Customer and Head Judge will also place their orders.

Teams may only serve or present to the judges during these final 8 minutes of their stage time.

This is the teams time to shine. It does not need to be a rehearsed presentation, it is a coffee service – but during this time, teams have the attention of the judges and the crowd.

During service, the teams should give ONE flavour descriptor and ONE texture descriptor for the espresso and ONE flavour descriptor and ONE texture descriptor for the filter coffee. This is the descriptor that teams determine is the most present/best encapsulates each coffee. The descriptor can be as vague or specific, but only ONE of each descriptor will be judged. If teams give more than one, the judges will only note down the first one and ignore the rest.

The Plant Based Beverage and Mystery Order does not require any descriptors.

The cold brew mocktail should be presented to the judges as to explain your concept or thoughts behind the drink. Think about how a great bartender presents a cocktail when they serve it.

Note on tech: Teams will be mic’d up throughout the competition, the mics are mute until the service to allow for easier service and presentation.

Note on language: Teams may present in their chosen language. If this is not English, please contact the project manager ahead of the competition to arrange a translator.

The Head Judge will be overlooking the work process of the teams and is responsible for judging the following:

• Cleanliness & Waste:

  Can the team maintain a neat, hygienic station with tools and ingredients properly arranged and cleaned. Including a conscious approach to the usage of the ingredients and reduction of waste.

• Workflow and Teamwork:

  Teamwork makes the dreamwork, we want to see a well-functioning barista team. Organized and methodical service where team members work together and complement each other to execute an efficient, quality coffee experience.

• Service and good vibes:

  Will the team create a welcoming environment that reflects a great café experience, tailored to their unique style.

Judges are looking for the skills required in a real café setting—authentic service, space management, and a memorable experience—without expecting rehearsed or stylized routines