Pernod Ricard’s global trade advocacy platform, SIP (Share. Inspire. Pioneer.), has introduced its SIP Supernova programme and competition globally across fourteen countries, with the South African launch taking place in Johannesburg and Cape Town last night. Having already made waves internationally as one of the most dynamic platforms for emerging bartenders worldwide, its debut in South Africa signals a powerful new chapter in showcasing and developing local talent.
Kicking off on World Bartender Day, these events brought together bartenders, hospitality professionals, industry leaders and brand partners to mark the beginning of this global competition to spotlight emerging talent, creativity and the future of cocktail culture.
“At the heart of SIP Supernova is reshaping the industry by encouraging the adoption of regenerative practices and transforming the craft of cocktail-making into a driver of environmental, social, and creative impact,” says Bo Saunders, Brand Advocacy Manager at Pernod Ricard South Africa and SIP Manager in South Africa. “Participants are encouraged to learn about a product’s sustainability journey, from raw materials to premium spirit, and sourcing from producers who implement practices to reduce energy, carbon, water and waste during production, packaging and transportation”.
Responsible serving has also emerged as a powerful trend, aligning with the changing preferences of younger generations who value fun, responsibility and health in their drinking experiences. “Initiatives like Drink More Water, Pernod Ricard’s responsible drinking program since 2011, and offering patrons a diverse range of non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails, are setting a new global standard for responsible hospitality,” Saunders adds.
This year’s theme is Sensory Architecture: premium cocktails inspired by space, memory, texture, sound, emotion, and atmosphere. Every challenge will ask bartenders to build not just flavour, but experiences. As the SIP Supernova website states “Because enjoying a cocktail is about more than flavour, it’s about how it looks, feels, sounds and the emotions it leaves behind”.
Unlike a traditional cocktail competition, SIP Supernova evaluates bartenders over a series of heats and challenges beyond creativity and innovation in mixology, by adding hospitality service and leadership skills as key criteria – a focus on what truly makes a great cocktail and a memorable experience.
Equally important is supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals through employee wellbeing initiatives, alongside tailored training and individual guidance, promoting a healthier work-life balance.
This commitment to nurturing talent came to life during SIP Supernova’s first phase in South Africa, kicking off with nationwide sign-ups and Bartender’s Bingo to shortlist 80 bartenders. The launch events last night, held at Fable in Cape Town and Sin + Tax in Johannesburg, celebrated those who made it through, officially revealed the 18 finalists, and outlined the next stage of the competition hosted by the programme’s Brand Ambassadors.
“This competition gives local talent the opportunity to showcase their innovation and hospitality expertise and the chance to take their craft to new international heights”, says Sinako Dunywa, Brand Ambassador for Pernod Ricard South Africa who plays a key role in driving industry initiatives such as SIP.
Following the national stage of the competition, winners from South Africa will then go on to regional rounds, with finalists from all 14 participating countries heading to the global SIP Supernova final in Tokyo. Here top talent from the around the world will receive mentorship, hands-on experience and professional development opportunities.
Some of the renowned international industry experts who will be providing this mentorship and support include Juliette Larrouy (Co-founder of SCHMUCK, New York), Keith Motsi (Head bartender & beverage operations at Virtu, Four Seasons, Tokyo), Jean Trinh (founder of Alquímico, Cartegena) and Danil Nevsky (aka @cocktailman, currently named 5th most influential bartender by Bar World 100).
“SIP continues to grow, bringing the hospitality community together to champion sustainable and innovative practices. It is now the turn to spotlight South Africa’s rising bartending talent through the launch of SIP Supernova and local engagement activities designed to prepare entrants for the global rounds of the competition,” says Saunders.
Meet South Africa’s 18 SIP Supernova Finalists
Following nationwide sign-ups and competitive shortlisting rounds, 18 standout bartenders have been selected to advance to the next stage of SIP Supernova South Africa.
Representing leading venues across Johannesburg, Cape Town and beyond, these finalists reflect the depth, diversity and creativity shaping the country’s modern bar scene. The 2026 SIP Supernova South Africa Finalists are:
- Connor Ross – Sin+Tax
- Tegan Akira Ford – EBS
- Kelvin Mabaya – Sin+Tax
- Aedan Manuel – Art of Duplicity
- Mason Holster – Sin+Tax
- Christopher Pick – Cattle Baron
- Christopher Kleynhans – President Hotel
- AJ Durow – Self-Employed
- Joshua Dorland – SIP Exclusive
- Ronewa Mushanganyisi – Thirst Bar Services
- Brent Davids – 11th Floor
- Robert Tatenda Chirinda – Mozambik
- Tanyaradzwa Keith Nhamo – Just Short
- Jade Norris – Thirst Bar Services
- Roelof Riphagen – Chingadas Mexican
- Eugene Komane – Tannin
- Dylan Johansson – Thirst Bar Services
- Alistan Nyoni – Script Bar
Over the coming month, these finalists will compete in immersive challenges designed to test their mixology expertise, leadership, sustainability integration and ability to craft holistic guest experiences.
SIP by Pernod Ricard was first launched globally in 2023 in response to the significant challenges facing the hospitality industry post the Covid-pandemic. This platform has now evolved even more to inspire bartenders into the future, encouraging them to embrace premium craft, multi-sensory innovation and sustainable practices, while connecting them to a global stage of opportunity and recognition.
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