In a dazzling celebration of local creativity and cultural flair, the Signature Mocktail Championship has named Bandung Pandan Spritz as the official welcome drink for Visit Malaysia 2026. The event, organised by the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), the Malaysian Food and Beverage Executives Association (MFBEA), and the Mixology Alliance of MFBEA (MAM), brought together 30 of Malaysia’s top mixologists in a spirited showcase of talent and innovation.

The grand champion title was awarded to Muhammad Nadzemi Norihan, 30, from Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre. His winning creation – a refreshing blend of pandan, lychee, lemon, and coconut served with traditional kuih lapis – was praised for encapsulating Malaysia’s multicultural identity in both taste and presentation.

The first runner-up was Muhammad Raihan Rajuddin, 26, from M Resort Hotel Kuala Lumpur, who impressed judges with Madani 69, a drink inspired by local ingredients such as ciku fruit and gula melaka. The second runner-up title went to Hor Shu Yih, 31, of Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, for Sunshine Ria, a tropical medley crowned with pink guava asam boi tuile.

MAH CEO Isaac Raj commended the event, stating, “The winning mocktail captures the essence of Malaysia — not just in flavour, but in our signature hospitality.”

MFBEA President Hisham Tan emphasized the importance of creating a unique national welcome drink to greet guests in 2026, while MAM President Pravindran Palakrishnan underlined the need to elevate local bartending talent by offering platforms that spotlight their artistry.

The event was further elevated by the support of key industry partners. Yeo Hiap Seng came onboard as Platinum Partner, while Fresh N Sqz served as the official juice sponsor and Monin as the official syrup sponsor. These leading brands provided premium ingredients to empower Malaysia’s finest beverage artisans in crafting the nation’s inaugural Malaysian Welcome Drink.

The championship marks a milestone in Malaysia’s non-alcoholic beverage innovation, reflecting the nation’s diverse culinary heritage and setting the stage for a memorable welcome during Visit Malaysia 2026.