Battle of the Bartenders
October 18, 2026 07:00 PM until October 18, 2026 10:00 PM
South Lake Tahoe’s bartenders are going head-to-head at Tessie’s.
Watch the Showdown
Battle of the Bartenders brings together teams of two from local bars in South Lake Tahoe for a three-round cocktail competition built around flavor, creativity, speed and showmanship.
Expect inventive cocktails, friendly rivalry, walk-on music, crowd energy and plenty of surprises as teams compete for $1,000 in prize money, a championship belt, custom bar tools and Tahoe bragging rights.
How the Competition Works
Round One: Signature Cocktail
Each team will present its best cocktail. Judges will score each cocktail on balance of flavor and taste, presentation, creativity and showmanship. The top nine teams will advance.
Round Two: Speed Round
The remaining nine teams will put their speed and technique to the test by making the same three classic cocktails: an Old Fashioned, Daiquiri and Paloma. Teams will be judged on time, taste and presentation, with a few sponsored-brand surprises mixed in along the way.
Final Round
The top three teams will battle it out one last time in an Iron Chef-style final. Contestants will choose from a set selection of ingredients, liqueurs and modifiers to create one final cocktail for the judges.
The winning team takes home the championship belt, prize money and custom bar tools, and their cocktail will be featured at Tessie’s for 30 days.
For the Fans
This competition is built to be just as fun for the crowd as it is for the bartenders. Guests will receive a complimentary raffle ticket upon arrival, with prize drawings taking place between rounds and throughout the event.
Each team will also choose its own walk-on music, bringing even more personality and showmanship to the competition.
What the Judges Are Looking For
Every round will be scored on taste, presentation, creativity and showmanship. Flair, crowd work and any extra “wow” factor can make the difference.
Come Cheer on Tahoe’s Best Bartenders
Come support your favorite local bar, discover some of the best bartenders in South Lake Tahoe and see who leaves Tessie’s with the belt.