JNPR COCKTAIL COMPETITION: semi-finals
Recap of the JNPR Cocktail Competition 2026 French Semi-Finals.
In Paris, 10 bartenders gathered to champion a shared vision: to treat non-alcoholic drinks with rigour, precision, and intent.
This edition, themed around KATA, demanded discipline and mastery. Two challenges to separate the candidates: ESSENCE, focusing on the interpretation of Japan, and CODE, centered on pure technique.
The level?
Particularly high, making every decision difficult.
To host this semi-final, JNPR chose Saka in the Marais: a unique venue whose minimalist and precise approach to cocktails perfectly resonated with the theme. More than a competition, it was an opportunity to raise the standards of non-alcoholic beverages.
What's the price?
An invitation to the Tokyo International BarShow 2027.
Adam Rzeznik
No Entry Speakeasy, Paris
A bartender inspired by Japanese rituals, he explores contemplative and precise mixology.
→ Kemuri Mizuwari: an elegant highball based on a smoky "fake whisky", balancing woody depth and tangy freshness.
Camilo Calderon
No Entry Speakeasy, Paris
Passionate about technique and structure, he pushes the boundaries of non-alcoholic drinks with a very structured approach.
→ Okinawa Shadow: a crystalline cocktail with a silky texture, enhanced by coconut milk clarification.
Clément Barde
Le Pompom, Paris
A lover of detail and precision, he develops a minimalist and ultra-controlled mixology.
→ Le Verre du Pêcheur: a finely crafted non-alcoholic dry martini, enhanced with subtle marine nuances.
Donovan Chouari
Bar 1802, Paris
Influenced by his travels and Japanese culture, he translates sensory experiences into cocktails.
→ Onsen: an immersive creation with vegetal and mineral notes, inspired by Japanese thermal baths.
Florian Nolle
Finalist
A Cocktail Collective, Bordeaux
An artist at heart, he designs his cocktails as true experimental works of art.
→ Smoke & Shadow: an aromatic composition based on dried flowers and smoky notes, both intriguing and enveloping.
Léa Vitally
La Villa Margaret, Lorient
Guided by an artistic and conceptual approach, she breathes meaning and emotion into her creations.
→ Silent Cut: a textured and expressive cocktail, between tension, vegetal, and spice.
Lucas Salvignol
L'arrosoir, Toulouse
Curious and in full exploration, he develops a technical mixology inspired by Japanese fermentations.
→ Amaze Ake: a modern interpretation of sake, rich in umami and depth.
Mathis Neglais
Carry Nation, Marseille
Influenced by Japanese aesthetics, he seeks the perfect balance between simplicity and precision.
→ KATA — ENSO: a pure and harmonious creation combining roasted rice and tea.
Raffaele Postiglione
Finalist
The Cambridge Public House, Paris
An experienced bartender, he enjoys playing with contrasts and highlighting each ingredient with precision.
→ Liquid Sunshine: a direct and bold cocktail, with a masterful balance between salinity and freshness.
Valentine Bernard
Le prêchoir, Rouen
Coming from the world of coffee, she brings a new sensibility to non-alcoholic drinks, combining indulgence and technicality.
→ Sochu Yauruto: a modern and refreshing highball, twisted with homemade yogurt soda.
