The 2025 Irish Restaurant Awards Cocktail Experience competition sponsored by MONIN took place on the 28th and 29th of April in the Dublin Bar Academy. Over 100 competitors entered having been initially nominated in the category by online public vote back in January. The brief for competitors was to create a cocktail not currently on their establishment’s menu that embraced the theme of Sips and Sounds and included one MONIN syrup/puree or Paragon cordial, from MONIN’s vast and varied portfolio. The event would not be possible of course without the three discerning judges who gave great consideration to the craft and ingredients used by each of the participants on the day.

Participants will be shortlisted in advance of the All Ireland event with the successful shortlist informed directly on Friday 2nd of May 2025 and invited to attend the All Ireland Final event on 19th May 2025 at which the Best Cocktail Experience Ireland Winner will be announced.