Being nominated for one of Ireland’s Best Cocktail Experiences is more than an honour — it’s a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the passion that drives everything we do at Yamamori North City. This year, we stood proudly alongside some of the most talented bartenders in the country, and although we didn’t make the final shortlist, the journey itself was unforgettable.

A Cocktail Born From Storytelling and Spirit

Our submission this year was **“Kitsune no Kagayaki” (狐の輝き)**, a cocktail crafted and presented by Abel from Yamamori North City. Inspired by the magical energy of Japanese kitsune festivals, this drink was designed to be more than a flavour experience — it was a performance.
The cocktail tells a story of **transformation, illusion, and celebration**, echoing the mythical fox spirits known for their elegance and mystery. With its stunning colour gradation and theatrical presentation, “Kitsune no Kagayaki” captured the imagination of everyone who tasted it. It wasn’t just delicious — it was memorable.

The Talent Behind the Glass: Abel Zaleta

At the heart of this creation is Abel Zaleta, one of Yamamori’s most gifted bartenders. His deep knowledge of food and drink pairings, combined with his creativity and passion, made him the perfect person to bring this concept to life.
Abel’s approach to mixology goes beyond technique. He crafts experiences — weaving together flavour, culture, and emotion. His dedication is a major reason why Yamamori North City was nominated for this award, and we couldn’t be prouder to have him on our team.

A Moment of Pride for Our Team

While we didn’t make the final Top 10 shortlist this time, the nomination alone is a testament to the hard work, imagination, and heart that our team pours into every cocktail we create. Competitions like this push us to grow, innovate, and celebrate the artistry of mixology.
We are grateful for the opportunity to perform again this year, and even more grateful for the community that continues to support us.

Congratulations to Ireland’s Top Cocktail Creators

We want to extend a warm congratulations to everyone who made it into the Top 10 shortlist. Ireland’s cocktail scene is thriving because of the incredible talent, passion, and creativity found in bars across the country. It’s an honour to stand among you.

Thank You for Supporting Our Journey

To our guests, friends, and supporters — thank you. Your encouragement fuels our creativity and inspires us to keep pushing boundaries. Whether you’ve enjoyed a cocktail at our bar or cheered us on from afar, you’re part of this journey with us.

Here’s to more stories, more flavours, and more unforgettable experiences. 🦊🍸💫

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What is the next event? - Upcoming Event

We’re excited to announce a truly special collaboration happening at Yamamori Izakaya on May 5th from 8pm — a Bar Takeover featuring Scarlet from Japan.

Scarlet is a unique Japanese amaro, crafted in Japan with a flavour profile that blends tradition, innovation, and modern Japanese craftsmanship. This event marks the very first Scarlet showcase in Ireland, and we are honoured to welcome them for this exclusive collaboration.

Join us for an unforgettable evening where you can experience this new Japanese brand for the very first time. Come taste, explore, and celebrate with us.!

More details here