How to Succeed in World Class 2025, Part 2 – With Kate McGraw

Feb 28, 2025

How to Succeed in World Class 2025, Part 2 – With Kate McGraw

 

The World Class 2025 entry round was announced this month, so it’s time for the fun part: creating your serve and your entry! Kate is in the hot seat again this month to share some more suggestions to make this year’s entry a success. 

If you missed last month’s newsletter, where she shared her top 3 tips for entering, along with the 3 most common mistakes that she sees, click the link here.

Without further ado, here is Kate’s advice on supercharging your World Class entry in 2025.

  • Ask for and take on feedback from a diverse range of people. I always recommend the ‘civilian test’ - if you explain your idea to your non-industry friend or family member and they don’t understand it, it’s probably worth looking at how you’re communicating your concept. 
  • Make your drink and taste it. There are always little tweaks and improvements that you might miss if you do it all on paper. It also gives you the opportunity to let other people try it and take on feedback. Feedback is key!
  • Check in with your local Brand Ambassador (or me!), often. The Brand Ambassador team know the most about the brands and the competition and are all incredibly skilled bartenders themselves. They’re a great resource and an opportunity for another round of feedback!
  • Use the DBA website as much as you possibly can - especially the masterclasses. They have so many great nuggets of insight and information, plus some excellent technical how-tos to get you started. Watch them here, including those that feature four previous winners, including three global champions. 

Kate’s Insta series, Fussy Ingredients, will give you weekly tutorials and tips on delicious cocktail ingredients and interesting techniques. It’s perfect to get some inspiration for your entry round or for a new cocktail to go on your next menu. Check her out at @katelikescocktails on Instagram.

Key Takeaways

  • Feedback, feedback, feedback. Embrace it!
  • Use expert advice to develop your idea. Use the resources on the Diageo Bar Academy website and your Reserve Brand Ambassador.
  • Remember to enjoy the process and not take your entry too seriously! 

Instagram: @diageobarac

Facebook: Diageo Bar Academy


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