Zana Möhlmann Named World Class Bartender of the Year
The Singapore-based beverage manager claimed the prestigious title at the 2026 competition in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Cocktails
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Zana Möhlmann, a beverage manager at Conrad Singapore Orchard, has been crowned the Diageo World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2026. Möhlmann emerged as the winner among competitors from 49 countries during the final rounds held in Scotland.
Why it matters
The victory marks a significant career milestone for the 29-year-old bartender and secures a year-long role representing Diageo and its global spirits portfolio. The win also initiates a partnership to develop a new ready-to-drink cocktail set for international release next year.
The Diageo World Class program has trained over 500,000 bartenders since its 2009 inception. This year, finalists underwent evaluation by 16 judges across five distinct cocktail brand challenges.
The players
Zana Möhlmann
She serves as the Beverage Manager for Manhattan and East47 at the Conrad Singapore Orchard.
Diageo
This British multinational alcohol company owns a massive portfolio of premium spirit brands globally.
The details
Möhlmann, who oversees beverage programs at Manhattan and East47 in Singapore, successfully navigated a series of intense brand-focused challenges in Edinburgh. The event coincided with the Scotland Served festival, which showcased Scotch Whisky at more than 400 local venues.
Timeline
The World Class program launched its training initiatives in 2009.
Zana Möhlmann officially secured the title on October 21, 2026.
The next World Class Global Final is scheduled for 2027.
Culture Shift
The rise of the global bartender figure mirrors broader trends in the hospitality industry toward elevating mixology as a professional craft. This cultural movement shifts the consumer focus from simple drink orders to artisanal, technique-driven liquid experiences.
Readers interested in mixology can look forward to the launch of Möhlmann's custom cocktail in multiple markets next year. This development provides consumers with a direct way to experience the high-level techniques favored by the current world champion.
The takeaway
The competition highlights how high-level training and consistency are vital for success in the competitive global spirits industry. Aspiring mixologists can look to these large-scale programs as a pathway for career advancement and brand development.
What happens next
Möhlmann will represent Diageo brands for the next year and has earned an all-expenses paid trip to attend the 2027 World Class Global Final.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations and trends in the industry at Cocktails.
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