Mixologist at Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Years of expertise: 20+

Qualifications: Marc has achieved an NVQ Level 8 in Management, a prestigious vocational qualification that reflects his advanced expertise in leading teams, managing complex operations, and driving excellence within high-performing hospitality environments. In addition to formal qualifications, Marc has also completed a wide range of brand-specific mixology and cocktail training courses.

Instagram: @thecocktaillad

Collaborations: Collaborated with brands like Jameson, Redbreast, Powers, Knappogue, and Altos

Marc’s Quote:

“Just a piece of advice when looking to create a new drink—always ensure it can be delivered by volume without extra headache for your staff.”

About the Author:

With over two decades of hands-on experience in the hospitality industry, Marc Leonard has carved out a name for himself as a creative force in the world of cocktails. His background includes more than ten years in senior management, shaping dynamic teams and driving customer satisfaction in top-tier venues.

Now serving as Bar Manager at Jameson Distillery Bow St., Marc leads the bar program with a focus on creativity, guest experience, and practical execution. Whether it’s reviving a classic with a twist or inventing something entirely new, Marc’s philosophy is simple: every cocktail should tell a story and create a memory.

Professional Journey:

Marc’s love for mixology wasn’t immediate. In fact, early in his career, cocktail culture wasn’t even on the menu—literally. But everything changed when, at just 24 years old, he landed his first General Manager role and met a bartender whose passion for cocktails lit a creative spark in him.

Years later, Marc had the opportunity to work in the Irish Distillers head office, diving deep into craft cocktails and advanced mixology techniques. With access to expert mentorship, modern equipment, and an inspiring network, his skills and creative confidence reached new heights.

Philosophy & Style:

Marc sees mixology as a form of storytelling—each drink an experience waiting to be shared. He’s drawn to unexpected flavor combinations, drawing influence not only from cocktails but from food, travel, and cultural moments. For Marc, success means building drinks that are memorable, scalable, and rooted in passion.

Signature Cocktail:

Spiced Pear Old Fashioned – Marc’s personal take on a timeless classic.

Inspiration:

New York’s vibrant cocktail scene, the unexpected flavors of the Galapagos, and even desserts have helped shape Marc’s creative palate.