KUALA LUMPUR, June 13 — In a vibrant display of Malaysia’s culinary artistry, the Bandung Pandan Spritz was officially named the national welcome mocktail for Visit Malaysia 2026, following the Signature Mocktail Championship held on 28 May.
Organised by the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), the Malaysian Food and Beverage Executives Association (MFBEA), and the Mixology Alliance of MFBEA (MAM), the event brought together 30 of the country’s top mixologists in a spirited showcase of creativity, tradition, and innovation.
Muhammad Nadzemi Norihan, 30, from Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel & Convention Centre, emerged as the grand champion. His award-winning mocktail — a refreshing blend of pandan, lychee, lemon, and coconut, paired with traditional kuih lapis — was praised for capturing the multicultural flavours of Malaysia in a glass.
“This mocktail perfectly reflects the warmth and hospitality that Malaysia is known for. It’s more than a drink — it’s a symbol of our identity,” said MAH Chief Executive Officer Isaac Raj.
The first runner-up title went to Muhammad Raihan Rajuddin, 26, from M Resort Hotel Kuala Lumpur, for his creation Madani 69, featuring ciku fruit and gula melaka. Hor Shu Yih, 31, of Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, was named second runner-up with Sunshine Ria, a tropical medley crowned with a pink guava asam boi tuile.
MFBEA President Hisham Tan highlighted the significance of introducing a distinctive national welcome drink in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, while MAM President Pravindran Palakrishnan underscored the championship’s role in elevating the country’s non-alcoholic mixology scene.
The competition was powered by notable industry partners. Yeo Hiap Seng came on board as Platinum Partner, with Fresh N Sqz as the official juice sponsor and Monin as the official syrup sponsor — all contributing high-quality ingredients to fuel the contestants’ creativity.
The championship marks a new chapter in Malaysia’s beverage innovation, blending tradition and modernity to create a memorable experience for visitors. With the Bandung Pandan Spritz set to welcome international guests in 2026, the drink promises a refreshing first taste of Malaysian hospitality – TIN media
