Ubud is known not only for its lush landscapes and cultural heritage, but also for its growing culinary and cocktail scene. Over the past few years, the town has become a destination for travelers looking to discover unique dining experiences and creative cocktails crafted by talented bartenders. This vibrant mixology culture was recently highlighted at the Ubud Mixologist Competition 2026, where bartenders from across Bali gathered to showcase their creativity, technique, and passion for craft cocktails.
Among the standout achievements of the competition was the success of I Kadek Aldi Cahyadi from Adiwana Unagi Suites, who was crowned Champion and Best Cocktail winner for his exceptional cocktail creations. Guests visiting Ely’s Kitchen Ubud can now experience these award-winning cocktails, inspired by local flavors, childhood memories, and innovative mixology techniques.
Celebrating Bali’s Mixology Talent at the Ubud Mixologist Competition 2026
The Ubud Mixologist Competition 2026 brought together 30 professional mixologists from bars, restaurants, and hotels across Bali. The event challenged participants to create original cocktails inspired by Ubud’s culture and natural ingredients. A panel of hospitality professionals evaluated each cocktail based on:
- taste and flavor balance
- creativity and originality
- technique and craftsmanship
- visual presentation
After an exciting final round, I Kadek Aldi Cahyadi from Adiwana Unagi Suites impressed the judges with two remarkable cocktails that combined storytelling, local ingredients, and refined mixology.
The Awaited Season: A Cocktail Inspired by Childhood Memories
One of the award-winning creations by I Kadek Aldi Cahyadi is The Awaited Season, a cocktail inspired by a nostalgic childhood memory. When the bartender was around nine years old, there was a white mango tree known locally as wani growing behind his house. The tree only produced fruit during a short season each year. Whenever the fruit began to fall, he and his mother would wake up early to collect the mangoes together. His mother often prepared rujak, a traditional Indonesian fruit dish known for its bold combination of sweet, spicy, sour, and savory flavors. This childhood experience became the inspiration behind The Awaited Season cocktail.
To recreate the taste of rujak, the drink features white mango cordial combined with jalapeño, sugar, citric acid, and a touch of salt, capturing the vibrant flavor profile of the traditional dish. A delicate addition of elderflower syrup enhances the floral aroma and represents love and protection. The cocktail is finished with an edible garnish made from lime cordial, white mango, and coconut jelly, adding a refreshing tropical texture to the drink.
Plecing Tempe Tequila: A Bold Cocktail Inspired by Balinese Flavors
Another standout cocktail is Plecing Tempe Tequila, inspired by plecing, a famous Balinese chili sauce often served with vegetables and crispy fried tempeh. The idea comes from a childhood memory of family dinners, where the bartender’s mother prepared plecing sauce accompanied by freshly fried tempeh. Drawing inspiration from a spicy margarita, this cocktail uses filtered plecing chili sauce as the base ingredient, capturing its fresh, savory, and slightly spicy character. To balance the flavor, elderflower syrup is added to enhance the aroma and provide a smooth finish. The cocktail is served with crispy fried tempeh as both garnish and pairing, creating a unique combination of flavors that blends Balinese culinary tradition with modern mixology.
Discover Award Winning Cocktails at Ely’s Kitchen Ubud
Located in the heart of Ubud, Ely’s Kitchen Ubud offers a vibrant dining and bar experience where guests can enjoy creative cocktails inspired by local culture and modern mixology techniques. The bar program focuses on combining premium spirits, fresh ingredients, and balanced flavors to create cocktails that are both refreshing and memorable. Inspired by the creativity showcased in competitions like the Ubud Mixologist Competition, Ely’s Kitchen continues to celebrate Bali’s evolving cocktail culture through innovative drinks and thoughtful storytelling.
Experience the Champion Cocktails
Guests visiting Ely’s Kitchen Ubud now have the opportunity to experience the cocktails that impressed the judges at the Ubud Mixologist Competition 2026. Whether you prefer tropical fruit flavors or bold spicy cocktails, these award-winning creations offer a unique way to explore Bali’s vibrant mixology scene. For travelers searching for the best cocktail experience in Ubud, Ely’s Kitchen Ubud invites you to discover the artistry behind these champion cocktails and enjoy a memorable evening in one of Ubud’s exciting dining destinations.
