The Zadar bartending scene has experienced a powerful rise, which in just a few days, from October 17 to 20, 2025, in Dubrovnik, brought a turning point not only for the profession but also for the tourist identity of the region. Thirty of the best Croatian bartenders gathered at the national and international bartending competition in the Long Drink category, and among them, the Zadar team – Ante Butić, Mario Milin, Danijela Kardum, Pascal Carlsson, and Kristijan Gjelov, led by mentor and coordinator Daniel Krizman – showed a breadth of talent and a standard of work that has been systematically built over the years. In the atmosphere of a full hall and with great attention from the profession, the result was impressive: Kristijan Gjelov was awarded for the best creation, and the title of national champion went to Zadar thanks to Ante Butić. This is the first time in 17 years that this title resides again in the city that wrote important pages of Croatian bar culture long ago. For all those planning a trip and wanting to experience that spirit on the spot, it is worth securing accommodation in Zadar in advance.

Zadar is returning to the world bar map

Ante Butić's victory is not just a personal achievement; it is a symbol of Zadar's return to the top maps of mixology. It is often said in the profession that individual trophies are worth as much as their consequences last: behind this gold medal are years of education, teamwork, and joint projects carried out by members of the bartenders' association Back2Basic. This collective, whose members dominated the start lists in Dubrovnik, has long nurtured the philosophy of "return to basics": flawless technique, precise balance of flavors, and respect for local ingredients. It is no coincidence that Zadar is the city where, in recent seasons, more and more bars are opening that explore the terroir of the Adriatic – citrus from the hinterland, aromatic herbs from the islands, fermentations, and infusions that create a new story about a drink with the region's signature. For those who want to get to know the scene firsthand, the recommendation is to look for accommodation in Zadar and plan a visit during the period when themed evenings and bartender guest appearances are held.

The Dubrovnik test of maturity: from October 17 to 20, 2025

The competition in Dubrovnik was also a test of logistics, knowledge, and a cool head. The Long Drink category requires "long-term" thinking: the drinks are more voluminous, must remain stable over a longer consumption time, and retain their identity despite ice, dilution, and temperature changes. For the judges, who evaluate balance, presentation, preparation technique, and the story behind the glass, consistency is crucial. This is precisely where the Zadar lineup shone. In addition to the already mentioned award for Kristijan Gjelov for the best creation, the team showed synergy – each member took on a role in the process of preparing, testing, and refining the recipes. Due to the dense schedule and the strong international echo of the competition, Dubrovnik became a stage for Croatian bar competitiveness in those days; numerous visitors also took the opportunity to tour the city and enjoy the gastronomic offer, and many had pre-booked accommodation in Dubrovnik.

Recipe for victory: technique, idea, and identity

In conversations with judges and mentors during the competition, one theme was often highlighted: identity in the glass. Long Drink cocktails that remain in memory most often combine familiar flavors with an unexpected detail. Thus, Ante Butić's winning approach was based on precisely tuned ratios and a clearly articulated story – from the choice of glass, through ice and texture, to the aromatic "accents" that are revealed in layers during sipping. Technical elements, such as the correct "build," controlled stirring, and working with carbonated components, were flawless, but what further impressed the profession was the ability to summarize locality in a contemporary, internationally understandable expression. Such an approach is a recognizable signature of the Zadar school of bartending, and the best way to feel it in a real ambiance is to plan a visit and timely book accommodation in Zadar.

Support that changes the game: Zadar County Tourist Board

Behind great results, there is also systematic support. The Zadar County Tourist Board continuously recognizes the value of such events, but also the capacities of the local bar and hospitality scene as an authentic "mecca" for visitors. Through co-financing initiatives, supporting education programs, joint promotion, and networking, the prerequisites are created for the top bar scene to become an integral part of the tourist offer. The result is a mutual benefit: bartenders get a platform, and the destination gets an additional reason for guests to arrive throughout the year. When such a strategy is translated into a traveler's experience, the logical next step is to click on the link for accommodation in Zadar and plan a stay during the time when masterclasses, competitions, and guest appearances by top bartenders are held.

One step away from Europe: October 26 in Italy

Just a few days after the Dubrovnik competition, on October 26, an important test follows in Italy – the first European competition organized by the IBA (International Bartenders Association) where Croatia will have representatives for the first time, and they are from Zadar. Ante Butić and Daniel Krizman are traveling to the event, which brings together the continent's elite and provides a clear insight into the standards that await our representatives on the international scene. Competitions of this type are not just a test of skills; they also serve as a platform for exchanging experiences, monitoring trends, and establishing contacts with distributors, producers, and colleagues from the bar industry. For readers thinking about an autumn trip, it is useful to look at options for accommodation in Italy in advance and combine cheering with a cultural and gastronomic experience.

The road to Macao 2026: the global stage and Croatia's opportunity

The announcement that the year 2026 will bring Ante Butić an appearance at the world championship in Macao (China) is the best confirmation that work pays off. World-class appearances of this rank expose bartenders to the strictest criteria – from live presentations and controlled blind tastings to detailed checks of technique. Macao, as a destination with an extremely developed hotel and bar scene, is synonymous with high standards and first-class event production. The participation of a Croatian representative there means more than a personal career milestone: it is an opportunity to mention Zadar, Zadar County, and Croatia in the global conversation about cocktails. Travelers thinking about the Far East and wanting to experience the unique mix of Asian cosmopolitan dynamics and the gastronomic scene can already plan accommodation in Macao and take the opportunity to tour the city's bar institutions.

Back2Basic: the school that produces results

A large part of Zadar's success is attributed to the working methodology of the Back2Basic association. "Getting back to basics" in their vocabulary means learning standards to automatic precision, and only then building a personal style. The workshop programs cover classic techniques (build, shake, stir), working with ice and dilution, understanding distillates, vermouths, liqueurs, and bitters, and more modern approaches such as sous-vide infusions, clarifications, low and high Brix syrups, shrubs, and working with local herbs. Special attention is paid to storytelling – every glass carries a story, and the story serves the taste, not the other way around. After a cycle of workshops, participants receive guidelines for working in real conditions in the midst of the tourist season, when speed is just as important as flawlessness. If you are thinking about a visit and want to see the training and guest sessions live, timely booking of accommodation in Zadar greatly facilitates the organization of the trip.

Portraits of the team: who is behind Zadar's rise

Ante Butić – national champion whose approach can be summarized in three words: precision, identity, consistency. In recent years, he has led a series of educational workshops, while simultaneously competing and honing his own signature recipes. His style involves elegant flavor profiles with well-measured aromatic layers.

Daniel Krizman – mentor and team coordinator, whose pedagogical work and organizational skills create a framework in which young bartenders grow. The profession recognizes him for his methodical approach and attention to detail.

Kristijan Gjelov – laureate of the award for the best creation in Dubrovnik. His cocktails are characterized by courage in combining ingredients, along with discipline and knowledge of the boundary between innovation and exaggeration.

Mario Milin, Danijela Kardum, and Pascal Carlsson – team members who gave the competition breadth: from precise mise en place preparation to performance and team coordination. Their roles were crucial at the moment when small details make the difference between a good and a top result.

Why Long Drink is the royal discipline

Long Drink cocktails require planning. Since they are more voluminous, they are made with a careful approach to dilution so that the first and last sips are equally pleasant. Texture and temperature, ice quality, the choice of carbonated components, and the method of layering aromas are in play. The "build in glass" technique, precise dosing, and control of dilution over time are often used. In Dubrovnik, it was seen how strict the judges were about the glass, ice, and garnish – everything must serve the taste and function, without superfluous decoration. This distinctive discipline is precisely why it is a great platform for the destination's identity: the bartender can tell the story of Zadar with citrus from Ravni Kotari or aromatics from nearby islands, and the audience easily understands it. If you want to experience such an experience in an authentic environment, it is useful to explore accommodation in Zadar and plan evening bar tours.

The role of destination branding: from the glass to the traveler's decision

The tourism of the modern traveler is increasingly turning to experiences that have a story and a signature. The bar scene, as an intersection of gastronomy, design, and performance, is one of the most transferable segments of destination identity. When guests bring home a photo of an impressive glass and a recipe they remember from their trip, that content becomes a "digital ambassador" for the place it comes from. That is precisely why the synergy between bartenders and tourism stakeholders, as nurtured by the Zadar County Tourist Board, has a measurable effect: longer stays, higher spending in the off-season, and return visits. In such a context, the increase in interest in accommodation in Zadar throughout the year is logical.

Education and careers: how to become a top bartender

The path to the top requires patience and systematic education. The programs conducted in Zadar by experienced lecturers and competitors rely on a modular approach: first, fundamental techniques and service standards, then knowledge of raw materials (distillates, liqueurs, vinified products, fermented products), then recipe development and presentation. This is followed by work under pressure – simulations of competition conditions and seasonal crowds – and finally, the development of personal style. The mentoring work of Daniel Krizman and the competitive experience of Ante Butić have proven to be an effective combination: young bartenders learn how to recognize their own strengths and build recipes that emphasize them. For those thinking about education or a career pivot, planning a stay and accommodation in Zadar during the workshop cycle can be a practical start.

Economic impact: bars as drivers of off-season demand

The bar scene is not just entertainment; it is also an economy. Well-designed bars attract guests outside the peak season, generate additional spending, and encourage cooperation with local producers. When bars work with citrus fruits, medicinal herbs, honey, or ferments from local family farms (OPGs), a value chain is created that remains in the region. In this sense, the success of Zadar's bartenders in Dubrovnik acts as a multiplier: media visibility increases, interest in gastro-bar weeks grows, and numerous travelers decide to extend their stay and explore the scene – with timely booking of accommodation in Zadar to experience as many bars and events as possible.

Cultural dimension: the legacy of hospitality and new generations

Zadar has a long tradition of hospitality and bartending. The names that marked past decades have left a strong mark, and it is precisely the preservation of the memory of the profession's legends that provides context for new successes. In Dubrovnik, along with medals and trophies, certificates of appreciation were also awarded – among others, in honor of Mr. Drago Sikirić and the recently deceased Dubravko Milin-Kvisko, recognizable figures of Zadar's hospitality industry. Such a gesture connects generations: veterans strive to see how the craft develops, and the younger ones understand that skill is the result of a long journey. This is all part of a unique identity that, when experienced live, encourages guests to plan accommodation in Zadar and immerse themselves in the city's story.

What to expect in Italy: the European scene and criteria

European competitions organized by the IBA bring precisely prescribed rules: technique, presentation, aroma, balance, innovation are scored, but also work safety, station cleanliness, attitude towards equipment and the audience. For the Croatian representatives – Ante Butić and Daniel Krizman – this is an opportunity to test standards and gather additional experience before the years when even bigger challenges await them. Italy, as a country with an impressive bar tradition, will be the scene where different schools meet: from minimalist approaches from the north to Mediterranean interpretations from the south. For fans and the curious, planning an itinerary and accommodation in Italy in advance will allow for visits to bars whose names are often on the lists of the best in Europe.

Why the 17-year wait is important

The return of the national champion title to Zadar after 17 years is more than symbolic. Such "comebacks" show how knowledge and motivation accumulate, how generations build on each other, and how clubs, associations, and mentors create a system that produces results without interruption. Many cities have talents, but few manage to turn talent into a standard. The Zadar scene has done just that: it has created an infrastructure for education, set clear rules of work, and opened up space for the development of signature concepts. The number of guests who come specifically for the cocktail experience is growing, and with it, the interest in accommodation in Zadar outside the classic summer calendar.

The micro-details that make a top-class glass

At the level of process micro-details, winning glasses differ in details: the type and density of ice, the way zests are cut, the method of extracting aromatic oils, the quality of carbonation, and the stability of the foam if the "dry-wet" shake technique with albumin or alternatives is used. It is precisely in these "invisible" segments that the difference between a good and a top bar is shown. The Zadar team demonstrated at the Dubrovnik competition how details are not left to chance – serving scenarios are tested, the stability of the garnish under changes in temperature and humidity is checked, and the overall impression remains neat, focused, and professional.

Audience and community: why cheering helps

Behind every competitive success, there is a community – guests who return, colleagues from the profession, small producers, tourism stakeholders. When the bar scene becomes the "story of the city," every appearance at a competition gets a fan's note. It was the same this time: many people from Zadar and friends of the Zadar scene followed the results, shared posts, and gave support to the team. Such energy is transferred to the competitor and gives them additional security. This is also another reason why more and more travelers are planning their itinerary precisely according to destinations with a strong bar scene and booking accommodation in Zadar in advance to experience that community firsthand.

Institutional importance: 30 years of the Croatian Bartenders Association

This year's competition took place in the year in which the Croatian Bartenders Association marks 30 years of activity. Over three decades, courses, competitions, workshops, and promotions have been organized that have shaped the scene. The certificates of appreciation to Ante Butić and Daniel Krizman were presented in this very context – as recognition for their long-term contribution to the community. At the same time, names that permanently marked the profession, such as Mr. Drago Sikirić and Dubravko Milin-Kvisko, were also remembered. This created a symbolic link between the past and the future that transcends an individual trophy.

The bigger picture: Croatia as a growing bar destination

The success of the Zadar team in Dubrovnik builds on the rise of bar culture throughout Croatia. Cities on the Adriatic coast and in the interior are developing specialized bars, and festivals and competitions fill the calendar. Cooperation with fine dining restaurants is also growing: pairing cocktails with dishes is becoming standard on more and more menus, and bartenders participate in creating the overall experience. When this momentum is combined with tourism infrastructure, the result is a clear message to the international audience – Croatia is a place where people drink smartly, with measure and style. Zadar, as one of the leaders of this trend, logically records an increase in interest in accommodation in Zadar throughout the year.

Practical for travelers: how to plan a bar tour

For readers who want to experience the Zadar scene, here are a few practical tips: reserve spots for bars with a small number of seats, find out about themed evenings and bartender guest appearances, check local market days for fresh ingredients that bars often include in seasonal specials. Plan a route that combines classic cocktails with signature interpretations, as this will give you a more complete picture. And, of course, secure accommodation in Zadar on time – especially during workshop and competition periods when demand is higher.

On the verge of new challenges: what's next for the team

In the short term, the focus is on Italy on October 26, where Croatia, for the first time in history, will have its representatives, precisely from Zadar. This is an event where expectations are calibrated for the next step – the world stage in Macao in 2026. Parallel to the competitions, education, collaborations, and the development of signature bar programs continue. The Zadar County Tourist Board has announced continued support for projects that combine drinking culture, local producers, and destination promotion, which is an important cog in the mechanism of the scene's long-term sustainability.

Zadar as a case study in destination management

For tourism experts, Zadar's result also makes it a case study: how to coordinate stakeholders, how to create a "story" that transcends the season, and how to measure effects through stays, spending, and return visits. The key lesson is that investing in knowledge and people – bartenders, mentors, organizers – brings a return that lasts longer than one season. In this context, the destination's infrastructure itself must be ready: from transport and communication to the offer of accommodation in Zadar that suits the profile of the guest interested in bar-gastro experiences.

The word of the mentor and the community

Although the trophies belong to individuals, mentorship and community form the backbone of every success. Daniel Krizman has repeatedly emphasized that the goal is to create a "self-sustaining" system: those who win today, we see tomorrow in the role of mentors, lecturers, and selectors. Such a model ensures that knowledge remains in the community, that standards are passed on, and that new generations have someone to rely on. That is why the Zadar result is so important: it is not the end, but the middle of a process that lasts and grows. The best way to see this is to visit the scene, talk to the bartenders after their shift, and, of course, book accommodation in Zadar so you have enough time to get to know as many bars and people as possible.

The Dubrovnik framework and the emotion of the stage

Dubrovnik itself, the host of the competition from October 17 to 20, gave the event a special tone. The backdrop of the historic city, the logistics of hotel capacities, and the experience in organizing events created a professional environment. For many competitors, it was an opportunity to perform on a big stage for the first time, which also brings a dose of stage fright. But the audience and the profession united in support of quality performances, and the emotion of announcing the winner will be remembered. For all those who wanted to combine the event with a tourist experience, an earlier selection of accommodation in Dubrovnik was recommended due to increased demand.

Timeline and next steps to 2026

After Italy on October 26, a period of evaluations and preparations for international competitions during 2026 follows. This involves work on new recipes, fine-tuning techniques and stage performances, but also planning travel, logistics, and sponsorship arrangements that are crucial for participating at the highest level. Macao as a goal also requires adaptation to time zones, new ingredients, and serving styles, which will be part of the training plan. Travelers planning long-distance trips and wanting to experience the cosmopolitan rhythm of the host city can already think about accommodation in Macao to combine cheering and exploring the culinary scene.

What this result means for the region's hospitality industry

For bar and restaurant owners, the national champion title and the award for the best creation mean a strong marketing tool. When a team from one city wins the top prize, the audience wants to get to know the places where these people work, they want to try the signature cocktails and experience the atmosphere that created the winning glasses. This naturally raises the standards for others as well: they invest in education, equipment, ice, glass, and station logistics. In the end, the guests profit the most – they get better service, a higher quality drink, and a more complete experience. In such an environment, the demand for accommodation in Zadar also grows, as guests plan multi-day itineraries dedicated to the bar scene.

Acknowledgments and memories: the thread that connects generations

The presentation of certificates of appreciation to Ante Butić and Daniel Krizman within the celebration of 30 years of the Croatian Bartenders Association also had an emotional dimension. The presentation of recognition in honor of Mr. Drago Sikirić and the memory of Dubravko Milin-Kvisko were reminders of how the Zadar scene grew on the shoulders of giants. This thread that connects generations further motivates everyone involved – because every awarded moment shows that heritage can be preserved and developed at the same time.

Preparation for the next performance: mental focus and performance under pressure

High-level competitions require mental fitness as much as technique. Routinizing processes, visualizing the performance, having a plan B and C for unforeseen situations – spills, equipment problems, unexpected temperatures – are part of the Zadar team's preparation. In such a "performance" environment, a minute in front of the judges is worth an hour in training. That's why micro-cycles of recovery, video evaluations, and fine-tuning of recipes are planned between performances and travels. Travelers who follow the scene often time their arrival so they can also catch training evenings, and they also book accommodation in Zadar on time to make their stay relaxed and organized.

The bottom line of the results in Dubrovnik

At the Dubrovnik competition from October 17 to 20, 2025, a cross-section of everything that makes up the modern bar scene was recorded: discipline, creativity, teamwork, and respect for heritage. The award for the best creation to Kristijan Gjelov and the national champion title to Ante Butić rounded off the story of Zadar as a city that nurtures top standards. The next step comes already on October 26 in Italy, and the big stage is expected in 2026 in Macao. Until then, the scene lives from day to day – in workshops, in bars, at guest appearances and competitions – and invites guests to discover it, taste it, and share it further. For those who want to experience all this firsthand, the most practical first step is to review the options for accommodation in Zadar, as well as, according to the travel plan, accommodation in Dubrovnik, accommodation in Italy, or accommodation in Macao.