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Africa Shines as Hennessy MyWay 2025 Returns to the Continent

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 9:10 GMT by Yen.com.gh

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Stirred by Africa, Served to the World: Africa’s Bartenders Shine at Hennessy MyWay 2025

When Hennessy first launched MyWay in 2008, it promised a global stage for bartenders to showcase their creativity, skills and the stories behind their favourite spirits. In 2025 the contest returned to the continent’s heartbeat – Africa – and the result was a vibrant celebration of mixology that fused the continent’s rich cultural tapestry with contemporary cocktail craftsmanship. The event, held in the bustling streets of Accra and in the historic halls of the Dakar International Convention Centre, brought together over 120 bartenders from 35 African countries and 12 other nations, all vying for a coveted spot on the world stage.

A New Chapter for African Mixology

For the first time since the inaugural MyWay competition, the focus was not merely on showcasing new recipes but on honoring the unique flavours, traditions, and entrepreneurial spirit that Africa brings to the glass. According to Hennessy’s Global Director of Mixology, Sophie D’Ast, “The African bartenders have a deep-rooted connection to the land. They bring ingredients that have never been seen in a cocktail before, turning a simple drink into an experience that tells a story.”

From the sweet, floral notes of baobab and moringa to the earthy aroma of African coffee and the sharp bite of piri‑piri chilies, the competitors drew on their culinary heritage to craft cocktails that were simultaneously bold and subtle. The highlight of the competition was a “Cultural Fusion” round, where bartenders were asked to create a drink that blended a local spirit with a global twist. A standout entry, “Jollof Rum Punch,” mixed Haitian rum with a splash of Ghanaian jollof rice reduction, garnering rave reviews from the judging panel.

The Path to the Global Stage

The competition was divided into three rounds: Preliminary, Semi‑Final, and Final. Judges—comprising former Hennessy Master Mixologists, prominent African culinary influencers, and international spirits experts—assessed each cocktail on flavour, aroma, presentation, creativity, and the story behind it.

At the Preliminary stage, over 50 bartenders performed live mix‑making demonstrations in front of a live audience of 5,000. Here, Kofi Mensah of Ghana’s Kente Spirits stunned the crowd with a “Gold Coast Ginger Mule,” incorporating locally sourced ginger and a splash of Hennessy XO. The drink not only captured the spirit’s warmth but also reflected Ghana’s colonial history in its name and presentation.

Moving on to the Semi‑Final, the competition tightened. Each participant had to design a cocktail that could be executed in a bustling nightclub environment while maintaining consistency. Nadia Diallo from Senegal showcased “Nigerian Rum & Mango,” using a fusion of Soma rum and a mango‑spiced reduction that echoed Senegal’s love for tropical fruit.

The Final round was a live broadcast across Netflix, YouTube, and the official Hennessy MyWay app, allowing audiences worldwide to watch the climactic showdown. Bartenders had 45 minutes to craft a signature drink, after which judges deliberated before announcing the winners.

Winners and Recognition

In a surprise twist, the Champion of Hennessy MyWay 2025 was Grace Osei from the Ashanti Distillery, who won the “Global Mixology Award” for her “Ashanti Sunset.” The cocktail featured Hennessy VSOP, a blend of hibiscus, cacao nibs, and a whisper of West African pepper, creating a sunset‑colored drink that was as visually stunning as it was flavorful.

The Runners‑Up were Jules Ndiaye (Mali) and Tariq Amadi (Nigeria). Both were awarded a Hennessy Travel Grant to attend the International Bartender Association (IBA) events in London and Paris, ensuring their skills continue to flourish on a global platform.

Beyond the titles, every finalist received a Hennessy Master Mixologist Diploma and a feature in the Hennessy “MyWay Magazine.” The competition also announced a partnership with African Spirits Collective, which aims to elevate local distilleries through co‑branding initiatives and training programs.

Impact on the African Spirits Industry

The success of Hennessy MyWay 2025 has had a ripple effect across Africa’s spirits landscape. According to the African Spirits Forum, the event has spurred a surge in the number of micro‑distilleries, especially in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya. Many of these new establishments now partner with Hennessy to develop bespoke casks and flavor profiles tailored for the global market.

Moreover, the competition has opened doors for African bartenders in international bars and nightclubs. Jade Ng of Kenya’s Kenya Kulture Spirits was recently hired by the renowned rooftop bar, Sky Lounge, in Dubai, citing her Hennessy MyWay credentials as a decisive factor.

The event also highlighted the importance of sustainability. Participants were encouraged to use locally sourced, biodegradable ingredients and to minimize waste. Hennessy pledged a $500,000 sustainability grant to support local cooperatives that produce organic sugarcane and citrus, ensuring that the industry moves toward more environmentally conscious practices.

The Road Ahead

Hennessy’s MyWay 2025 sets a new benchmark for cultural integration in the spirits world. The competition showcased how bartending is more than mixing liquids—it is an art form that reflects history, geography, and personal narrative. Hennessy’s commitment to elevating African talent signals a broader shift in the industry, where diversity and inclusion are not optional but essential.

As the global cocktail community digests the creative genius displayed at MyWay, we can anticipate a wave of new drinks that will travel from Accra to Amsterdam, from Dakar to San Francisco. The next step? Hennessy has already hinted at a MyWay Africa 2026 – a regional tour that will feature workshops, pop‑up bars, and a mentorship program for young bartenders across the continent.

In an era where global tastes are increasingly adventurous, Africa’s bartenders are stepping onto the world stage not just as performers but as ambassadors of their culture, proving that the next great cocktail can indeed be stirred by Africa and served to the world.