Kimchi Lai of Three x Co crowned Giffard West Cup 2026 champion
For its 29th edition, the international final took place on 29-30 September 2026 at Giffard’s new production site in Saint-Léger-des-Bois, near Angers, France.
“I feel so grateful for all the support that has gone me this far!”
After several months of selections held in 31 countries, 19 finalists representing 19 nations competed around the theme “Sip the Moments”, with the prize of a trip to Antigua, Guatemala, offering an immersion into coffee and cocktail culture.
Kimchi Lai of Three x Co, Malaysia emerged as the Giffard West Cup 2026 champion, with winning cocktails ‘Grain Potential’ and ‘You’ll be all rice’.
- Grain Potential featured
- 30 ml Giffard Cassis Imperial Liqueur
- 60 ml toasted glutinous rice cordial
- 15 ml Vodka Haku
- 10 ml dry vermouth
- 120 ml soda water
- You’ll be all rice included
- 15 ml Giffard Rose Syrup. 15 ml Giffard Coconut Syrup
- 15 ml cardamom rice milk
- 45 ml sake
- 15 ml vodka
Over two days, the 19 finalists were evaluated by a jury on their creativity, technique, storytelling, and the overall coherence of their concept.
They competed by creating two drinks, each containing a minimum of 30 ml of a Giffard product, which responded to one another while demonstrating how the two creations accompany their guests throughout the day.
On winning, Lai said: “I feel so grateful for all the support that has gone me this far!” Second place went to Ketut Masdana of Indigo Hotel, Indonesia, while third place was awarded to Liv Rosengren of Kyara, Spain.
Special awards were given to Shelly Chen of Zeit Gelato Bar, Taiwan; Rafal Kiciak of Art Katowice, Poland; Afonso Machado of Red Frog Speakeasy, Portugal; and Mike Dojcsa of Civil Liberties, Canada.
