Alex Zanarini on how to win Hennessy MyWay 2025
“The benefits are huge,” he says.
If the latest wave of international guest shifts and bartender collaborations tells me anything, it’s that there is so much to be gained by travelling, sharing experiences, and swapping stories. The results can be surprising, and show up in all sorts of places: the way you think, your approach to creativity, broader career horizons. After all, as Anthony Bourdain once said, travel changes you.
Which brings me to the return of Hennessy MyWay competition for 2025. Hennessy MyWay is a cocktail competition that encourages you to create with a conscience and craft “unforgettable, ritual-inspired serves.”
Below, I talk to Australian Hennessy ambassador Alex Zanarini to get his advice and tips for bartenders wanting to enter the competition, and he talks a bit about what you can expect to get out of it for yourself, with prizes on offer at each round, as well mentoring and training for the finalists.
And who knows? Getting involved might just open doors you don’t even yet know exist.
Before we get into the chat, the details.
- Entries into Hennessy MyWay are open now at HennessyMyWay.com, and close on May 15. Your drink will be judged digitally by a global panel.
- Round 2 (June 1 to July 1): the top five bartenders in each region (NSW, VIC, WA, SA/ACT/TAS, QLD, NZ) will have have their cocktails tasted and judged in-venue, ultimately crowning a top six nationally. These top six finalists will then receive a second cocktail brief to complete before the next stage.
- The Live Final (August 19): The top six bartenders will be flown to Sydney to compete in the Live Final, where one winner will be selected to compete in France at the Global Finals.
- Enter now and learn more at HennessyMyWay.com — entries close May 15.
What excites you about this competition? What do you think are the big benefits bartenders will get from entering?
What really excites me about Hennessy MyWay is how it empowers bartenders to bring their own identity and creativity to the forefront. It’s not just about creating a great drink — it’s about telling your story, sharing your perspective, and showing how you elevate Hennessy through your way of doing things.
The benefits are huge. Not only do bartenders get global exposure and a platform to showcase their talent, but they also become part of a global community of like-minded, forward-thinking hospitality professionals. And let’s be real — the main prize, an all-expenses paid trip to Europe with a group of international bartenders? That’s an unforgettable experience.
What advice do you have for those who are pulling together their entry?
Think fresh – as in refreshing. Cognac doesn’t have to be something that only gets served booze-forward. How can you use Hennessy with tropical flavors, Sours and Highballs to reimagine some of your favourite modern classics?
Keep it authentic. Don’t overcomplicate the drink just to impress — instead, focus on what makes you and your approach unique. Ask yourself: What’s my personal connection to the ingredients? What does this ritual say about my hospitality style?
Sustainability isn’t just a checkbox — think about how your methods and mindset can make a positive impact. And finally, feel free to keep the video simple, no pressure to make it super polished. This will not be judged and is merely a tool to better understand your drink and its presentation.
How is the competition judged? What will the powers that be look for in their finalists?
Judging is based on two key pillars: sustainability, and service rituals.
The judges are looking for a cocktail that’s not only delicious and innovative but also reflects a thoughtful approach to ingredients and preparation. How does your drink minimise waste or repurpose byproducts? How does the ritual elevate the experience?
And finally, storytelling is huge — if you can connect your drink to something personal, cultural, or conceptual, and deliver that confidently, you’ll stand out in a big way.
Why is this competition important for Hennessy?
Hennessy has always stood for excellence, craftsmanship, and progress. The MyWay competition is an extension of those values — it puts the spotlight on the new wave of bartenders who are shaping the future of our industry.
It’s also a way for Hennessy to listen, to learn, and to evolve alongside the very people who serve our product every day. By supporting creativity and sustainability on a global stage, we’re not just celebrating the brand - we’re helping to build a more inclusive, responsible, and innovative future for hospitality.
Enter and learn more now at HennessyMyWay.com - entries close May 15.