The 2025 Gran Coramino Bartender of the Year winner is Joewell McKenzie!!!
Thank you to all the participating bartenders and congratulations to Joewell on becoming 2025 Gran Coramino Bartender of the Year.
This year’s Coramino Cup was nothing short of spectacular — a celebration of craft, creativity, and the unstoppable spirit that defines Gran Coramino Tequila. It was a night that truly proved: hard work tastes different.
Kevin Hart crowned the 3rd Annual Coramino Cup winner Joewell McKenzie of San Jose, CA in front of a packed-out crowd at Keys Nightclub in West Hollywood. The atmosphere was electric as the founder of Gran Coramino Tequila presented the live bartending competition finale, where six finalists from across the United States put their skills to the test for the coveted title of 2025 Gran Coramino Bartender of the Year.
McKenzie emerged victorious after competing against five other exceptional bartenders in an intense head-to-head competition that showcased the four pillars of nightlife bartending: Hustle, Accuracy, Taste, and Charisma. The competition featured an exciting East vs. West coast rivalry, with finalists representing their regions in a high-energy battle complete with team colors, custom swag, and fierce regional pride.
The evening kicked off with the fun energy of Plastic Cup Boyz’s own Spank Horton and Wayne Brown who took the stage to host the night, introducing each contestant with hype-worthy entrances that set the tone. After the first heat, the man of the hour, Kevin Hart, made his entrance—welcoming guests, congratulating the finalists, and cheering on the competitors with signature enthusiasm. As a passionate advocate for the craft, Hart continues to champion the artistry and hustle behind the bar, recognizing the creativity, dedication, and heart it takes to stand out.
The Qualifying Round put finalists to the test: free-pouring five Mic-Drop shots without a jigger, crafting three Gran Coramino Espresso Martinis, and mixing three TNT “dealer’s choice” cocktails—all under serious time pressure. The Final Round upped the stakes even further for the top three—Joseluis Barajas, Inez Goodwine, and eventual champion Joewell McKenzie—who were challenged to create a signature twist on the Mino-Lada, a resourceful Tequila Mai Tai, and in a surprise finish, pour five shots of Gran Coramino Cristalino with speed and style.
A standout panel of judges brought expert eyes to every pour and presentation, including Gina Farrell (Editor in Chief, Chilled Magazine), Matt Klette (Head of Advocacy, Proximo Spirits), Heather Sanders (Tastemaker and Entrepreneur), and Trevor Jackson (Actor and National Recording Artist).
The celebration also drew an impressive mix of celebrity guests and cultural influencers. Michelle “Chelley” Bissainthe (Love Island), NBA Champion Paul Pierce, national recording artist Mario, and actor Lawrence Robinson were among the many tastemakers in attendance along with Chai Lee and Bud Shaw, Gran Coramino Bartenders of the Year 2023 and 2024, respectively. In one of the night’s most memorable moments, Paul Pierce jumped on stage mid-show, deciding the best shot in the building had to come from one of the competing bartenders—playfully interrupting Spank and Wayne to the crowd’s delight.
A huge thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable evening possible. From the stunning venue to the immersive branding, every detail brought the energy of a true Hollywood celebration to life. The room was electric from start to finish.
Thank you to the talented bartenders who brought their A-game, delivering bold flavors, memorable performances, and genuine support for one another throughout the competition. Their passion and camaraderie were a perfect reflection of what the Gran Coramino community is all about.
Congratulations to Joewell McKenzie, 2025 Gran Coramino Bartender of the Year!
Until next year — cheers to raising the bar with all the hardworking bartenders out there.
#CoraminoCup #GranCoraminoBartenderOfTheYear #HardWorkTastesDifferent
The post Kevin Hart Crowns Joewell McKenzie Winner of the 3rd Annual Coramino Cup appeared first on Chilled Magazine.
Source: Mixology News
