The Sensory Metamorphosis

We invite bartenders to transform Madeira Wine into liquid gold. The challenge is simple, yet ambitious: to fuse the history and complex structure of Miles Madeira with local ingredients. Your mission: to create a transcendent experience. A true “Alchemical Masterpiece.”

For the first time, the festival expands its boundaries. In 2026, in addition to the talents from Madeira, Viriathus Drinks will select an exclusive finalist from mainland Portugal. The winner will travel to Funchal to compete in the Grand Final.

Golden Rules (For the Bartender)

Use a minimum of 30ml of Miles Madeira (3, 5, or 10 Years).

You may mix Miles Madeira of different ages if you prefer.

Respect the wine. Infusions, reductions, or syrups made directly with Miles are not permitted. The wine must be used in its pure form.
Clarification, carbonation, fat-washing, and foams are welcome, as long as they do not dominate 100% of the drink.
We want technique, but we want to taste the wine.

Create something new.

Classic names or plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.

The narrative of transformation and the connection to the Island’s Alchemy are decisive factors.

!

The cocktail must be on your establishment’s menu between June 1 and August 30.

Timeline: Don’t Miss the Timing

By May 15:
Final deadline for applications.

June to August: Bar activation.
Your cocktail must be on the menu, and the official poster must be clearly displayed. This is the time to showcase your creation to customers.

The Grand Final

Date and Time: September 4, 2026, at 4:30 PM.
Location: ThreeHouse Bar, Funchal (Winner of the 2024 edition).

Evaluation Criteria:

Flavor and Aroma (5 pts): Balance and temperature.
Expression of Miles (2 pts): Is the wine the protagonist?
Storytelling (2 pts): What is the connection between your “potion” and the island?
Technique and Presence (2 pts): Skill and cleanliness on stage.
Appearance (2 pts): The visual presentation of the cocktail (garnish must be edible).
Charisma (2 pts): Your ability to communicate with the judges and the audience.

Rewards and Merit

1st Place:
€900 in cash.

2nd Place:
€200 in cash.

3rd Place:
€100 in cash.

Digital Award:

1 bottle of 20-Year-Old Miles for the cocktail with the most likes on Instagram (using the tag @miles.madeira.wine and #miles2026).

Venue Award:

Bottles of Miles 5 or 10 Years.

Ready to leave your legacy?

Send the details below to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.