ONE of Cork’s most talented bartenders has been living the dream while competing at the World Class Global Finals in Mexico City.

Up against bar staff from 55 other countries that are all gunning for the title of the world’s best bartender, Andy Ferreira made it to the quarter finals before just missing out in the semi final shake-up.

The quarter final challenge consisted of four rounds; an impromptu drink making session where you work from scratch without a prepared recipe.

Andy, who is bar manager of Cask on MacCurtain St, said this was a subject matter that was close to his heart and he was happy with how this round went.

Andy, who secured his spot to represent Ireland at the world’s most prestigious and respected bartending competition by conquering the Irish Finals, which took place in Zozimus in Dublin last May, said he is enjoying the experience and the trip to Mexico.

The World Class programme is committed to celebrating and elevating the craft of bartending and discovering the best bartender talent.

Donal Comerford, Head of Diageo Reserve Ireland, commented, “We could not be more proud of Andy. The World Class Bartender of the Year Competition is not for the fainthearted. It tests the most talented bartenders in the business as they demonstrate their skill, passion, innovation, creativity and ambition, all of which Andy has in spades. The flavours and ingenuity of Andy’s Hunter’s Flip cocktail made with premium Irish whiskey Roe & Co, with sustainability at the heart of its creation, are evidence that Andy is on the top of his game.”