NEW YORK, May 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Presents World Class Sponsored by DIAGEO has named Alexis Ortega of Philadelphia, PA as the 2026 U.S. Bartender of the Year, marking a defining moment in one bartender's career and the debut year of a transformative partnership championing bartending excellence. Hosted in Chicago, IL (May 11-13), the competition brought together the nation's Top 15 finalists, selected from a competitive national pool, for three days of rigorous, multifaceted challenges designed to test creativity, technical skill, and performance under pressure.

Alexis Ortega was crowned champion, earning the honor of representing the United States at the World Class Global Finals in Scotland this fall, where he will compete against top bartenders from more than 50 countries. Ortega's victory wasn't just from technical precision, it was his ability to blend creativity, composure and hospitality in a way that consistently set him apart. With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, the Philadelphia mixologist is known for an approach that balances elevated craft with accessibility, creating experiences that feel as welcoming as they are inventive.

"World Class challenged me in all the best ways, pushing me to think on my feet, trust my instincts and bring my perspective as a storyteller behind the bar," says Alexis Ortega. "I'm grateful for the amazing community of peers who want to see you grow, succeed and raise the craft together. Representing the U.S. at the Global Finals is an incredible honor, and I'm ready to bring that same energy and a little dancing to the world stage."

This year marks the inaugural season of the collaboration between DIAGEO and Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, born from a shared vision to transform World Class into a platform for education, mentorship, community and career advancement – principles that were brought to life in the design and challenges showcased during the World Class U.S. Finals competition.

Over the first two days of competition, finalists took on three challenges designed to test both creativity and technical precision. Competitors crafted a Ketel One Vodka cocktail inspired by their personal heritage and bartending journey, developed the next trending coffee cocktail featuring Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, and went head-to-head in an eight-minute Speed Round, preparing six DIAGEO cocktails judged on balance, efficiency, skill, and hospitality. Following these rounds, the Top 5 highest scorers advanced to the final stage, where they faced two additional challenges with Tequila Don Julio Blanco and Tanqueray No. TEN before Ortega ultimately claimed the title.

"The level of talent on display this year reflects just how exceptional the U.S. bartending community continues to be," said Erin Creighton, Director of Marketing for On-Premise at DIAGEO. "What made this moment even more exciting is that it marked our first season alongside the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, where our commitment to elevating this community and creating meaningful opportunities for bartenders to grow really shined. Alexis brought his distinct perspective and a precision to craft, and we're proud to see him carry that momentum forward as he represents the U.S. on the road to the Global Finals."

"The U.S. Finals was an incredible showcase of what we set out to build in our first season presenting World Class sponsored by Diageo – a program that celebrates craft, community and the individuality of each bartender," said Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. "From the very first challenge, Alexis demonstrated not only skill, but a real sense of identity behind the bar. As we continue to support this talented group of finalists at Tales of the Cocktail 2026 this summer through our Tales Scholarship program, we are focused on creating more opportunities that champion bartenders and invest in their growth well beyond the competition."

Wondering what goes into a World Class cocktail? Alexis Ortega's two signature creations from the U.S. Finals showcase inventive flavor combinations and narrative-driven cocktail creation, which helped take him to the top:

ALEXIS ORTEGA'S WINNING COCKTAILS

• First Call
• Ingredients:
• 1 oz Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur
• .5 oz Tequila Don Julio Reposado
• .5 oz Grapefruit Syrup
• 1 Dropper Saline (20%)
• Grapefruit Soda
• Grapefruit Wedge for Garnish
• Preparation:
• Combine Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, Tequila Don Julio Reposado, grapefruit syrup and saline in a shaker with ice and shake thoroughly. Double strain into a Collins glass with ice. Top with grapefruit soda and garnish with grapefruit wedge.
• Melone di Bella Vista
• Ingredients:
• 1 oz Tanqueray No. TEN
• .5 oz Chamomile Bitter Bianco
• .75 oz Concentrated Honeydew Melon
• .5 oz Centerbe
• .25 oz Melon Liqueur
• Compressed Melon Garnish
• Preparation:
• Add all ingredients in a mixing glass and stir well. Strain over a large ice cube in a rocks glass and garnish with compressed melon.

Follow @WorldClassUS on Instagram to keep up with Alexis Ortega's road to the World Class Global Finals and for highlights from this year's competition. For those interested in competing, stay tuned for updates on how to apply for the next World Class U.S. season. Please enjoy responsibly.

For more information about the program and updates on the Global Finals, visit www.worldclassus.com

NEW YORK, May 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Seagram's 7 Crown Blended Whiskey is kicking off summer early with the launch of Seagram's 7 Crown Apple Pie, a delicious seasonal flavor from the iconic whiskey brand. Launching nationwide just as the season heats up, it's the ultimate companion for backyard barbecues, lake days, long weekends, and everything in between.

A fresh twist on an American classic, Seagram's 7 Crown Apple Pie blends the smooth, approachable character of Seagram's 7 Crown with notes of baked apple, warm spice and a hint of vanilla pie crust. The result? bold, nostalgic flavor that tastes like summer in a glass—perfect over ice or mixed into crowd-favorite cocktails at everything from Fourth of July celebrations to bonfire nights with the people you love.

"With Seagram's 7 Crown Apple Pie, we're bringing new energy to a flavor people already love," said Brand Director, Single Malts & Emerging Whiskies, Frank Dudley. "It's familiar, it's fun and it fits right into the kind of summer people wait all year for, whether you're carrying on traditions or making new ones."

At 70 proof, Seagram's 7 Crown Apple Pie is as versatile as it is flavorful — easy to enjoy on the rocks or in the brand's iconic serve, the 7&7:

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. Seagram's 7 Crown Apple Pie

5 oz. 7UP^® Lemon-lime soda

Slice of lime

Directions:

1. Add Seagram's 7 Crown Apple Pie and 7UP^® soda to a highball glass with ice

2. Stir well

3. Garnish with lime slice

Rolling out nationwide this June, Seagram's 7 Crown Apple Pie is showing up in retail displays and behind bars across the country – spotlighting the iconic 7&7 made with 7UP^® all summer long. Available for a limited time at a suggested retail price of $11.99, visit Seagrams7.com to find a bottle near you and explore more summer-ready recipes.

Seagram's 7 Crown is an American blended whiskey aged in oak with a rich and casual history. No matter how you choose to celebrate this summer, Seagram's 7 Crown reminds you to always drink responsibly.

MONTREAL, May 12, 2026 /CNW/ - Great news for cocktail lovers: Sour Puss is finally back on Canadian shelves. Following November's highly publicized announcement about moving production to Canada, the iconic brand confirms today that its famous flavoured liqueurs are once again available in every province across the country, ensuring the brand's triumphant return to the national stage.

In November, news of its "made in Canada" return generated remarkable excitement nationwide, creating a wave of media coverage and a genuine sense of nostalgia among fans. This enthusiastic reception highlights Canadians' love for the brand, and their eagerness to see it back behind the bar, in cocktails, and at celebrations.

"We were truly touched by the response from the public! Sour Puss holds a special place in the local cocktail culture, and we're thrilled to put these products back into consumers' hands. The excitement across the country confirms just how strong the connection to the brand remains, and we're proud to see it reclaim its place nationwide." -- Rumi Jaffer, Sales Director, Phillips Distilling Company

Now Available Nationwide: Retail and On Premise

Sour Puss is now available coast to coast through provincial liquor boards and authorized retailers, with confirmed listings in every province. In addition to its strong retail presence, the brand is also making its highly anticipated return to bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues nationwide. From classic mixed drinks to vibrant new cocktail creations, Sour Puss is once again a staple both on shelves and behind the bar.

All signature flavors are back on shelves:

• Red (Raspberry)
• Green (Green Apple)
• Blue (Blue Tropical)
• Golden (Passionfruit Mango)

Next-Level Innovation: Introducing Sour Puss "Shocktails"

To celebrate this homecoming, the brand is doing more than just restocking the classics, with the launch of Sour Puss Shocktails. As the RTD (Ready-to-Drink) segment continues to outpace traditional spirits, Shocktails are designed to attract a new generation of Gen Z and Millennial consumers. Shocktails deliver wild flavour in a portable, party-ready 355mL slim can. The debut Raspberry Lemonade flavour is spirit-based, carbonated, and clocks in at 7% ABV, offering a convenient, party-ready option for consumers.

Sour Puss Shocktails have been rolling out across Canada since mid-March, with availability varying by location. They can be purchased individually or in convenient four-packs, ideal for enjoying at home or on the go.

NAPA, Calif., May 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Americans spent more on wine in 2025 than ever before — pushing total U.S. consumer spending on wine to more than $115 billion — but they also drank less of it, extending a multi‑year, structural decline in consumption that is forcing wineries to rethink how, where and what they sell.

According to the newly released 2026 BMO Wine Market Report, U.S. wine market value rose 3% in 2025, even as total market volume declined for another consecutive year. The data underscores a growing disconnect between price and demand, and highlights why wineries now face two parallel challenges: rebuilding consumer interest while also working through excess supply that continues to strain cash flow and liquidity across the industry.

At the same time, California – the backbone of U.S. wine production – is sending significantly less wine into the market. In less than a decade, wine entering the U.S. market from California has fallen by nearly 25%, reflecting vineyard pullbacks, a historically small harvest, and an industry adjusting to weaker demand rather than chasing growth at all costs.

"What we're seeing isn't a pause — it's a reset. Higher prices are keeping overall market value elevated, but they're masking a structural slide in consumption: fewer people are drinking wine, and they're doing it less often. At the same time, supply is shrinking, distribution is changing, and direct‑to‑consumer isn't growing the way it once did," said Adam Beak, Managing Director and Head of Wine & Spirits at BMO. "Wineries that succeed in this next phase will be the ones that adapt how they price, package, and go to market, rather than waiting for consumers to come back on their own."

"The wine industry is navigating a period of real adjustment. While higher prices have supported overall market value, many producers are facing ongoing pressure from softer demand, rising costs, and shifting distribution dynamics," said Tony Sciarrino, Head, BMO Commercial Bank, U.S. "As a commercial bank deeply embedded in the wine ecosystem, we're seeing firsthand how important it is for businesses to adapt thoughtfully to these changes in order to remain resilient and competitive."

Demand Pressure Is Rewriting the Playbook

The report finds that demand weakness is rippling across every route to market:

• Direct‑to‑consumer sales are under pressure. Winery shipments fell 15% in volume to 5.4 million cases, while shipment value declined 6% to $3.7 billion as shipping costs rise and consumers pull back on discretionary spending.
• Distribution is destabilizing. Nearly one quarter of wineries surveyed reported losing a primary distributor, accelerating a shift toward wineries doing more of their own selling and treating wholesalers increasingly as fulfillment partners rather than growth engines.
• Not all wine categories are moving in the same direction. In 2025, flavored wines grew 12% while sparkling wine volumes declined 3%, underscoring increasingly fragmented growth as traditional table wine continues to lose ground.

Despite these headwinds, wineries remain cautiously optimistic about the future. 71% of wineries surveyed expect the U.S. wine industry to stabilize or rebound within the next three years, with 38% believing a turnaround could come sooner – even as many acknowledge that the next phase of growth will look very different from the last.

A Deeper, Data‑Driven Look at a Market in Transition

The 2026 edition also reflects the expansion of BMO's Wine Partnership, with the addition of Baker Tilly – one of the wine industry's leading professional services firms. Baker Tilly joins existing partners WineBusiness Analytics and bw166, strengthening the breadth and depth of market data behind the report.

Together, the expanded partnership brings economic, operational, and survey-based insights into a single, comprehensive view of the U.S. wine market, at a time when demographic shifts, pricing pressure, distribution disruption, and changing consumer behavior are reshaping the industry.

The 2026 report frames the current moment as a reset with fewer wineries, less excess inventory, smaller harvests, and more experimentation with pricing, packaging and routes to market. Private‑label and retailer‑exclusive wines are expanding, club stores are gaining importance, and wineries are being forced to compete in a market with more beverage options and price sensitivity than ever before.

The 2026 BMO Wine Market Report is based on comprehensive economic data and a national survey of U.S. wineries conducted between January 26 and March 2, 2026, with results weighted to reflect wineries of all sizes, regions and price points.

The full report is available here.