Lisbon bartender crowned Portugal’s best

A 23-year-old bartender from Lisbon has been crowned Portugal’s best after winning the World Class Portugal 2026 competition, securing his place at the global finals in Scotland later this year.

Pedro Pereira, who works at the Monkey Mash cocktail bar in Lisbon, claimed the national title in what is widely regarded as Portugal’s most prestigious bartending competition. He will now represent the country at the World Class Global Final in October, competing against some of the world’s leading mixologists.

Pereira joined Monkey Mash three years ago after completing five years of hospitality training, a journey he says cemented his passion for food and beverage. Since then, he has developed his skills at the tropical-inspired bar, known for its creative approach to contemporary cocktails and innovative techniques.

“I entered the World Class competition to challenge myself, grow creatively and learn from some of the best professionals in the industry,” Pereira said. “Winning this competition is a huge achievement and a unique opportunity to represent Portugal in Scotland.”

This year’s World Class Portugal competition put contestants through a series of demanding challenges designed to test technical ability, creativity, product knowledge, improvisation, storytelling and stage presence.

The Blind Taste challenge required competitors to identify Ketel One vodka from three samples, recognise three different whiskies and correctly identify four cocktails by taste.

Other tests included the Johnnie Walker Challenge, where bartenders created a cocktail using one Portuguese and one European ingredient to symbolise cultural connections, and the Singleton Challenge, which required competitors to produce a tea-based cocktail featuring a syrup or cordial while incorporating a theatrical presentation.

The competition concluded with the Market Challenge, in which participants were given a budget of €100 to buy ingredients, glassware and equipment before creating an original cocktail using only products sourced from a local market.

Judges praised Pereira for his creativity, technical consistency and ability to translate personal influences into memorable drinks. Outside the bar, he draws inspiration from urban art, music and basketball, all of which help shape his approach to flavour and presentation.

Monkey Mash co-founder Emanuel Minez described the victory as recognition of Pereira’s dedication and growth.

“We are incredibly proud of Pedro and this achievement,” he said. “World Class is an extremely demanding competition that tests not only technical skills but also creativity, communication and the overall guest experience. Pedro has grown tremendously with us, and it is rewarding to see that recognised with the title of Portugal’s best bartender.”

Opened in Lisbon in 2019, Monkey Mash has built a reputation for combining tropical influences with cutting-edge cocktail techniques, sustainability and experimentation. The bar operates its own laboratory, focusing on reducing waste, developing new preparation methods and making environmental responsibility part of the creative process.