Drink Masters is the first competition to showcase cocktails as liquid art and the mixology artists who make them.
Hosted by comedian Tone Bell and judged by two titans of the cocktail world, Frankie Solarik and Julie Reiner, Drink Masters will make you forget everything you think you know about cocktails.
Twelve talented mixologists from across North America, each with a dream to make their mark in the world of mixology, compete in a series of challenges designed to push their skills to the limit. Round after round, they’ll put their heart, talent and technique on the line to deliver mind-bending cocktails that redefine the genre. One by one, they’ll be eliminated until the winner claims the coveted title of Ultimate Drink Master and the life-changing grand prize of $100,000 cash prize.
The Drink Masters contestants are Taoufike “Tao” Zrafi, Loyd Von Rose, Natalie Migliarini, Raj Shukla, Meredith Barry, Aisling Gammill, Kapri Robinson, Michael R. Anderson, Alex Velez, Kate Gerwin, Christian “Suzu” Suzuki-Orellana, and Lauren “LP” Paylor.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
Episode 1 – 11 September 2025
The mixologists put their own spin on the world’s most popular cocktail, the Margarita. Later, in a dramatic Mix-Off Battle, one mixologist will be smoked out of the competition.
Episode 2 – 18 September 2025
The mixologists concoct colourful cocktails from an array of fresh fruit. And in a nerve-wracking Mix-Off battle, a sour classic cocktail will topple one more mixologist from the competition.
Episode 3 – 25 September 2025
Flowers and herbs abound as Cocktail King Dale DeGroff drops in to guest judge the mixologists in a blooming botanical cocktail challenge. Later, a Cosmopolitan Mix-Off battle leaves one mixologist in the dirt.
Episode 4 – 2 October 2025
Travel back in time to a raging prohibition party, full of showboating bartenders and guys and dolls looking to fill up on giggle water. Later, a nail-biting Canadian Rye Mix-Off Battle sends one mixologist packing.
Episode 5 – 9 October 2025
Guest judge and chocolatier Gonzo Jimenez encourages the mixologists to tap into their
sweetest side with a dessert cocktail challenge. Then, a caffeinated Mix-Off Battle hangs one mixologist out to dry.
Episode 6 – 16 October 2025
The quest for the Ultimate Drink Master kicks into hyperdrive in a jaw-dropping cocktail tournament that puts the mixologists’ skill, technique and speed to the test. Seven will become six after three fastpaced rounds of cocktail-making.
Episode 7 – 23 October 2025
The mixologists put their palates to the test with a food and drink pairing challenge as Chef Edward Lee joins the judging panel for an action-packed cocktail service. Later, in a tricky colour-inspired Mix-Off battle, one mixologist is blacklisted from the competition.
Episode 8 – 30 October 2025
Special guest judge Tiffany Barriere inspires the mixologists pour their passions into hot, spicy and delicious cocktails that bring the heat. Later, the chill
blast of a winter-themed Mix-Off Battle leaves one more mixologist out in the cold.
Special guest judge, bartender Tiffany Barriere inspires the mixologists to tap into their passionate side and create a hot and spicy cocktail.
Episode 9 – 6 November 2025
The mixologists target the finals with a flight of 3 cocktails made from the judges’ favourite spirits. Later, two mixologists must show off their signature style as they battle for the remaining spot in the Finale.
Episode 10 – 13 November 2025
The finalists pull out all the stops to create a delicious 3-course drink menu. Who will nab the crown? The three finalists must create an original 3-course drink menu to prove that they have what it takes to be the Ultimate Drink Master.
Catch Drink Masters every Thursday at 19:00, only on S3.
For media enquiries
Caroline Phalakatshela
Publicity Specialist – Video Entertainment
072 382 2032/ phalakatshelamc@sabc.co.za
