Friday, May 2nd, 2025 – This week, over 100 competitors took part in the Best Cocktail Experience competition, sponsored by Monin, as part of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2025.

The theme for this year’s competition, which took place on Monday and Tuesday at the Dublin Bar Academy, was “Sips and Sounds”, with inspiration taken from songs ranging from Galway Girl to Viva Las Vegas.

Competitors were nominated by members of the public as part of the more than 165,000 nominations submitted via The Irish Times website, the media partner of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2025.

The overall winner of the Best Cocktail Experience competition will be announced at the All-Ireland Awards event at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, on May 19th.

Commenting on the publication of this year’s Best Cocktail Experience shortlist for the Irish Restaurant Awards, President of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Seán Collender, said: 

“The creativity on display was incredibly impressive, with cocktails inspired by songs from all genres, bringing the ‘Sips and Sounds’ theme to life.”

“My warmest congratulations to everyone shortlisted for Best Cocktail Experience at the All-Ireland Awards. With over 100 entries and the competition fiercer than ever, making the shortlist is a fantastic achievement. Wishing all the nominees the very best of luck at this month’s awards.”

After careful deliberation, the three judges selected the following shortlist:

• Adrian McFadden – The Garden Room at the Merrion Hotel
• Alexandru Anita – Kajjal Malahide
• Conor Gilmour – Parrilla Ranelagh
• Darren Geraghty – Hawksmoor
• Ellie McDonagh – The Red Bank Restaurant
• Jessica Doherty – UMI
• Korina Klisanic – Saba South William Street
• Michele Lentini – No.23 at the Merrion Hotel
• Simon O’Connor – Kinara Clontarf
• Skirmantas Lehys – Hilliards

Notes to Editor

For media queries contact liam@rai.ie or (01) 677 9901.

For more information on the Best Cocktail Experience competition and the Irish Restaurant Awards 2025 visit: https://irishrestaurantawards.com/faqs/

A full range of photographs from this week’s competition can be found at: https://irishrestaurantawards.com/official-photos-cocktail-experience-2025-sips-and-sounds/

All Images Credit: Paul Sherwood