While there is so much variety when it comes to reality TV, the space has been lacking in competition shows about drinks. Luckily, Netflix has begun the journey to cover that space, thanks to Drink Masters. The new Netflix series sees several mixologists compete to make the ultimate cocktail.
With a gap now identified, fans can expect more cocktail-related competition shows in the near future. But what else can fans of Drink Masters watch in the meantime? Shows similar to drink masters are not necessarily competition-themed but mostly those that use unique concepts and do not just focus on the making of general meals or drinks as is the case with Top Chef or Hell’s Kitchen.
School Of Chocolate (2021)
Stream On Netflix
Chocolatier Amaury Guichon tasks eight contestants with creating the perfect chocolate sculpture. At the end of it all, the top student walks away with $50,000.
The beauty of School Of Chocolate is that it demands more from the contestants. With many confectionary-themed shows only focusing on the final edible product, the Netflix release not only requires them to be artistic but also clean, since it’s a crime for their white baking uniforms to have any chocolate stain. Good shows need good hosts too and Amaury Guichon not only impresses with his expertise but also with his perfect voice.
Cooking On High (2018)
Stream On Netflix
In Cooking On High, contestants are tasked with making meals that have marijuana as one of the ingredients. YouTuber Josh Leyva hosts the show. As TV’s first cannabis cooking show, Cooking On High doesn’t disappoint. From judges getting high to chefs boasting about their unique creations like mad scientists in movies, there is plenty to enjoy.
And even though it doesn’t go into details such as the decarboxylation process that turns raw marijuana into edible form, the show makes sure to include a Pot 101 graphic at the bottom of the screen to help viewers understand each strain. It was also created at an appropriate time too when huge strides have been made in the legalization of marijuana in some countries.
The American Barbecue Showdown (2020 - Present)
Stream On Netflix
Ordinary citizens with barbecuing experience participate in a Barbecue Cook-off. The winner is then crowned the American Barbecue Champion
The attention to detail makes the show a worthy watch, with contestants being judged on minor things such as the amount of smoke and the barbecue's temperature. There is a tension aspect to it all too since speed is of the essence too. To see how good they really are, the barbecue experts are allocated way less time than it would normally take to get the job done. Will they manage? Only a few do.
Dishmantled (2020 – Present)
Stream On Roku
Two blindfolded chefs are blasted with a mysterious dish on their faces. They are then asked to recreate it and the one who comes close gets $5,000.
The “Will I like it?” question is easy to answer here since, at six-minutes, the episodes are brief enough for anyone to check out. That’s because the show first aired on the now-defunct Quibi platform, which focused on short-form shows. The blasting segments are easily the best parts, leaving viewers both awed and disgusted as the chefs lick floors and walls, trying to figure out what the good is. And as brief as the six minutes are ,memorable guest appearances are squeezed in too, including the cast of Shitt’s Creek.
Best Leftovers Ever (2020)
Stream On Netflix
A group of home cooks is tasked with turning leftovers into fresh meals. For their efforts, a prize of $10,000 awaits.
The concept can trigger disgust among some potential viewers, but the leftovers in question here aren’t taken out of the bin. It’s all about turning what was left of last night’s dinner into fresh lunch. And while at it, the show heavily advocates against food wastage.
Beer Masters (2022)
Stream On Amazon Prime Video
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Contestants and members of the Dogfish Head Brewery journey across the world and gather ingredients to make unique beers. Presenting the show is Jiega Wise.
Beer lovers will enjoy Beer Masters as there are such unique brews that one wonders why they are not popular globally. There are no eliminations until the finale too, hence fan-favorites get to stick around for longer. There’s much emphasis on consistency too, with some contestants being asked to make the same brew twice to see if they have really mastered a skill.
Supermarket Stakeout (2018)
Stream On fuboTV
Chefs stationed at the parking lot of a supermarket are tasked with making meals. But to do so, they have to beg shoppers for whatever is in their bags.
Unique concepts are taken to a whole new level here because contestants are never quite sure whether the shopping bags have what they need. Supermarket Stakeout is also distinctive because it also awards negotiation skills in addition to cooking skills. With so much improvisation needed, it sure does qualify as one of the best reality shows for creative people.
Halloween Baking Championship (2015 – Present)
Stream On Discovery+
In Halloween Baking Championship, bakers are tasked with creating the spookiest Halloween-themed dishes, and the winner gets to walk away with $25,000.
Nothing on the show is as frightening as what is seen in some of the most iconic horror movies, but viewers will appreciate the effort. After all, the end goal is to make something edible, not something that terrifies. The rotation of judges throughout the show’s five seasons has also helped prevent biased opinions.
Cupcake Wars (2009 – 2019)
Stream On fuboTV
Contestants try to outdo each other in making the best cupcake. As a reward, they get cash, as well as a chance to showcase their cupcakes at major events.
The fact that the show lasted for 11 seasons proves that cupcakes are indeed some of the most adored food items. And given that the show focusses on a specific product, contestants can’t be praised enough for always coming up with something unique.
Nadia G’s Bitchin’ Kitchen
Stream On Tubi
Comedian and chef, Nadia G, comes up with recipes for special moments such as breakups or one-night stands. Assisting her is Hans, the Scantily Clad Food Correspondent, and Panos, da Fish 'n' Meat Guy.
Most food and beverage shows are always lacking in humor, but the same can’t be said of Nadia G’s Bitchin’ Kitchen. Humor is splattered everywhere viewers look, starting with episode titles such as “Pridezilla Bites” and “Dude Food.” And in the same manner as Drink Masters, cocktails get plenty of screen time too.