After a nationwide search that drew submissions from more than 25 states, the Mystic Cocktail Classic has crowned its 2025 champion: Justin Brody of Juniper Bar in Providence, RI, who secured the top honor with his rum-based cocktail, the Bajan Daydream.
The winning cocktail - Brody’s love letter to Barbados - is a daiquiri-inspired creation that layers The Real McCoy 5 Year Rum, falernum, and a house-made corncob & thyme syrup. With tropical spice, gentle barrel tannin, and notes of sweet corn and herbs, Bajan Daydream impressed industry judges and a lively crowd during the live finale on Monday night at Mystic’s Jealous Monk. Brody’s balance, creativity, and technical precision distinguished his drink in a competition known for its technique-driven approach and national reach.
The final showdown featured the top bartenders across the remaining categories: Breannah Carr (Whisk(e)y), Justin Brody (Liqueur), and Nikki Stein (Gin).
Brody now receives the grand prize: A trip for two to Barbados, including a private educational tour of Foursquare Distillery.
“It was an honor to have been able to champion rum in the first ever Mystic Cocktail Classic with the Bajan Daydream,” said Brody. “Rum is my favorite spirit, and most folks don’t even realize how great it can be until they’ve tried some of the fine expressions that are out there.”
Three additional education awards were presented based on technique, creativity, and category excellence:
Veritable Distillery Education Award: Breannah Carr, Maude & the Monkey
Forthave Spirits Education Award: Justin Brody, Riviera Cove Swizzle
Trillium Spirits Education Award: Nikki Stein, Forager’s Martini
Bartenders and mixologists from across the country submitted entries in liqueur, gin, rum, and whisk(e)y categories. Entries were evaluated on originality, balance, technique, presentation, and storytelling by a panel of industry experts. From those submissions, 12 semifinalists were selected and advanced to a video presentation round before the top four were chosen for the live finale.
Presented by Veritable Distillery, the Mystic Cocktail Classic united some of the most respected voices in spirits for a weekend of conversation, competition, and coastal hospitality. The lineup included Sother Teague, Hannah Chamberlain, David Wondrich, Shannon Mustipher, Oscar Simoza Miszlai, and Dale DeGroff.
Events throughout the weekend included Spirited Dinners and panels at local restaurants, a book fair at the Mystic Noank Library, and guest bartending activations across town.
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