Ireland’s top cocktail talent shines in Best Cocktail Experience shortlist
This week, over 70 competitors took part in the Best Cocktail Experience competition, sponsored by Monin, as part of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2026.
The overall winner of the Best Cocktail Experience competition will be announced at the All-Ireland Awards at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, on 18 May
The theme for this year’s competition, which took place on Tuesday, 28 April at the Dublin Bar Academy, was “Carnival of Colour”.
It challenged competitors to showcase vibrancy, creativi
The theme celebrated bold expression and dynamic presentation, bringing the spectacle of carnival to life in the glass.
Competitors were nominated by members of the public as part of the more than 150,000 nominations submitted via The Irish Times website, the media partner of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2026.
The overall winner of the Best Cocktail Experience competition will be announced at the All-Ireland Awards at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, on 18 May.
The All-Ireland winner will go on to represent Ireland at the World Cocktail Championships in Macau, China, in October 2026.
Commenting on this year’s Best Cocktail Experience shortlist, president of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Seán Collender, said: “The level of creativity on display was outstanding, with each competitor showcasing
“My sincere congratulations to everyone shortlisted for Best Cocktail Experience at the All-Ireland Awards.
“With competition fiercer than ever, securing a place on the shortlist is a significant achievement.
“I wish all nominees the very best of luck at next month’s awards.”
Michael Ingle of Monin added: “We are delighted and privileged to be involved in this event.
“Over the past five years Monin Ireland’s sponsorship of Best Cocktail Experience has seen this competition grow from strength to strength.
“From the standard of the judging panel, which included last year’s Irish and
“Everyone involved is taking this competition very seriously, it is now recognised by bartenders as the national championship.
“This elevates the perception to a level that we at Monin Ireland have been working towards in association with Irish Restaurant Awards team.
“Using a Monin flavour in their drinks has allowed a great freedom of expression to the competing bartenders, this is another aspect that makes for such a fun and colourful event.
“Congratulations to everyone shortlisted, a fantastic achievement.”
After careful deliberation, the judges selected the following shortlist:
- Alex Anita – Cantina Valentina
- Dylan Atkinson – Gregans Castle Hotel
- Roge Austin – Vintage Cocktail Club
- Jeffery Hu – Bar 1661
- Simon Larragy – La Maison
- Michele Lentini – Merrion Hotel
- Christopher McDwyer – Woodfire & Wings
- Adrian McFadden – The Garden Room at the Merrion Hotel
- Matthew O’Connor – Parrilla
- Simon O Connor – Kinara
