Two crafts. One stage.

• The judges' decision is final and binding in all matters.
• All participants must meet eligibility criteria and provide accurate information.
• Swa / CxC organisers may request valid government ID to verify eligibility.
• The organisers may ask for proof of employment at any stage fo the competition.
• Professional conduct is expected from all participants throughout the competition.
• Any personal costs incurred during participation are the participant's own responsibility.
• Dates, venues, format, rules, and prizes are subject to change at the organisers' discretion.
• The organisers reserve the right to cancel, postpone, or modify the competition without prior notice.
• By registering, participants grant CxC / Swa the right to use their name, image, and content for promotional purposes.
• The organisers are not liable for registrations that are incomplete, unsuccessful, or affected by technical issues.

Any working barista or bartender based in select cities of India. You must be 18 or older and currently employed in a café, restaurant, bar, or hotel. We welcome all experience levels — from rising stars to established names.

Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Goa, Pune, Surat, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, Mysore, Coimbatore.

No — you register and compete as an individual. Your role (barista or bartender) determines which half of the competition you're in for Stage 1. Teams are formed only at the Regionals, from the top qualifiers in each city. Top performers from each region are paired into teams of two for the Regionals.

Yes, you can still participate if you provide a shipping address to one of the select city. You will need to self pick up the sample from that location. The cost of travel for Regionals, if selected, has to be borne by you.

No, you will have to bear the cost of travel to the venue. If you live in any other city than where the regionals is being hosted, you will need to cover your own travel expense to the city.

Yes, for top 2 teams from North & West region, travel will be covered to and from Bangalore.

The competition is only for employed professional bartenders and baristas. If you are a consultant, or fresher or unemployed and still want to participate, you will need to share a letter of endorsement from the place of work mentioned in the form. This letter will be required to be submitted if you are selected for the Regionals.

No. CxC 2026 is completely free to enter. We believe the only thing standing between you and recognition should be your craft.

Once you register, we'll ship a curated pack of 4 Swa Artisanal Syrups sample pack directly to your shipping address. Register early so you have more time to develop recipes. Packs are dispatched within 24 hours. It will take 5-7 working days to reach your doorstep. You must use at least one Swa syrup in your Stage 1 submission.

A video of your beverage preparation, along with a written recipe card. Your submission is judged on Storytelling & Concept, Flavour & Balance, Creativity & Innovation, Presentation & Garnish, Technique & Workflow, and Use of Swa Syrup. Regional submissions are due by 11 August 2026. You'll get access to the full submission portal once you register.

The Regionals are live, in-person rounds held in Delhi (11 Aug), Mumbai (18 Aug) and Bangalore (25 Aug). 11 teams per region compete live. Teams are formed on the day. The top 2 teams from each Regional will advance to the Grand Finale.

Total prize pool is over ₹1,00,000 distributed across the Regionals and Grand Finale. Full prize breakdown will be announced closer to the event. Every registered participant also receives a Swa sample pack, and all finalists receive industry recognition and features across Swa's trade network.

Email us at cxc@drinkswa.com. You can also DM us on Instagram at @swa.artisanalsyrups.

Submissions are scored out of 100 points across five criteria:

• Craft & Technique25 pts
• Flavour & Balance25 pts
• Swa Integration20 pts
• Creativity & Narrative20 pts
• Presentation10 pts

Full rulebook is available in your participant portal once you register.

Yes, with conditions. Homemade infusions, bitters, fat washes, and juices are permitted. However:

• Homemade syrups or cordials must be based on a Swa syrup — e.g. a "spiced kokam shrub" built on Swa Kokam.
• If using a homemade syrup, an unadulterated Swa product must also appear in the recipe separately.
• All homemade components must be fully declared in your recipe card — name, base ingredients, and method.
• Homemade versions of flavours available in the Swa range are not permitted.

The organisers will ensure that you are paired with a partner from the same city.

• Open to all working baristas and bartenders in India aged 18+.
• Individual entry only — no teams at this stage.
• At least 20ml of one Swa Artisanal Syrup must be used in your drink.
• Recipe must be original and not publicly served in the last 12 months.
• Submit a 60–90 second video showing preparation from start to finish.
• Video must show your face and hands. Narration strongly encouraged.
• Regional submission deadline: 11 August 2026.
• Judges' decisions are final.