Dublin mixologist crowned Ireland’s Cocktail Champion
Darren Geraghty, General Bar Manager The Leeson Dublin, has been crowned all Ireland cocktail champion after a rigorous final at The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo Co. Leitrim (Photo Brian Farrell)
Darren Geraghty, general manager at the Leeson Lounge Dublin has been crowned All-Ireland Cocktail Champion following a rigorous national competition contested by over 60 of Ireland’s top mixologists.
The Curious Journey Cocktail Competition challenged Ireland’s leading mixology talent to showcase their creativity, technical skill and craftsmanship, attracting entries from bartenders at more than 60 of Ireland’s leading bars, hotels and hospitality venues.
Following a rigorous judging process, the field was narrowed to just five finalists: Geraghty of The Leeson, Dublin; Jessica Lennon of No. 27 Bar at The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin; David Richard Coe of Cashel Palace Hotel Cocktail Bar, Tipperary; Conan Lynch of Orisha, Belfast; and Guillherme Alves of The Grace bar, Westport.
The five hopefuls created a series of cocktails live before an esteemed judging panel headed by internationally acclaimed mixologist Bruno Vanzan at the grand final, held at T he Shed Distillery of PJ Rigney in Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim on Thursday.
Geraghty emerged victorious in the closely contested final, impressing judges with his Ó Éirinn go Capri (“From Ireland to Capri”) cocktail, which draws on his travels in Italy, family connections and friendships within the bartending community. Inspired by classic aperitivo culture, it combines Irish ingredients, including Valentia Island Vermouth and Stillgarden, with Campari and a Caprese-inspired milk punch.
The overall winner was presented with an exclusive, specially created trophy by Pat Rigney, founder of The Shed Distillery and the curious mind behind Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin at the winning ceremony in the newly unveiled Mayura Suite at The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo.
Travel to Milan
All five finalists will travel to Milan for an exclusive mixology experience at the prestigious Vanzan Academy, learning from one of the world’s most acclaimed figures in the craft. Geraghty’s winning cocktail will also take centre stage on the menu at The Shed Distillery’s Honey Badger Bar and he will receive a cash prize.
Vanzan, who travelled especially from Italy to judge the final, is an acclaimed global drinks industry figure and a two-time world champion mixologist. He partnered with The Shed Distillery to create Drumshanbo Gunpowder Italian Fig & Laurel Gin, bringing his expertise and creative vision to this distinctive expression of the Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin portfolio.
The judging panel also included Emmet Duffy of Dalcassian Wines & Spirits, whose extensive drinks industry experience brought a technical and brand perspective to the competition; and Nadia Adan, high-profile social media star and founder of luxury supercar business Ashford Motors, who brought her expertise in premium brands, consumer appeal and audience engagement.
The Curious Journey Cocktail Competition celebrates Ireland’s exceptional bartending talent, inviting mixologists to push creative boundaries and explore new expressions of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin, including its Italian Fig & Laurel edition.
