Meet the 2025 Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition Winners
The 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition wrapped with an evening full of creativity, energy, and unforgettable flavors. This year brought not only fierce competition but also historic wins that left guests buzzing long after the last cocktail was poured. From first-time competitors making bold statements to returning bartenders raising the bar even higher, the event proved exactly why this gathering is one of Charlotte’s most anticipated celebrations of women in hospitality.
First Place: Alley’s Bold Debut
Alley, bartending at Omni, entered the competition as a first-time competitor and walked away with the top honor. Her winning cocktail, Bittersweet Heat, struck the perfect balance between elegance and fire. Grapefruit, lime, and coconut created a refreshing backbone, while house-made pepper bitters added a daring edge. Finished with tajín, chili threads, and a grapefruit garnish, the drink felt vibrant and memorable from first sip to last.
Guests and judges alike were impressed by Alley’s ability to weave strength and softness into a single glass—a cocktail that embodied both power and delicacy. It resonated with the crowd, proving that cocktails can carry stories as much as they deliver flavor.
For businesses, Alley’s win is a reminder that emerging voices in the industry can create waves when given the stage. Supporting new talent—especially first-time competitors—opens doors for innovation and brings in fresh perspectives that customers notice and remember.
Second Place: Rosalynn’s Playful Balance
Rosalynn of Lorem Ipsum claimed second place with a cocktail that celebrated layers of flavor and balance. Built with Brazilian cachaça as the base, her creation incorporated strawberry-infused amaro, pink peppercorn, lychee, and lime. The result was a drink that was playful yet sophisticated, offering a delicate dance between fruity sweetness and subtle spice.
Her cocktail embodied approachability while still introducing the audience to flavor combinations outside the norm. It was a reminder of how bartenders often push guests toward new discoveries, gently expanding their palates while keeping the experience fun and enjoyable.
For hospitality leaders, Rosalynn’s drink represents how experimentation can be both consumer-friendly and adventurous. By introducing unique spirits or infusions in approachable ways, venues can both stand out and remain accessible to a wide audience.
Third Place: Ky’s Artistry
Ky of Waterman took home third place, but her cocktail, Nisshoku, also made her the crowd favorite—earning her the coveted People’s Choice Award. In the history of the competition, no competitor has ever taken home both titles in the same year. Ky made it happen.
Her drink was layered, bold, and deeply thoughtful. A Japanese whiskey base provided depth, paired with passionfruit, pineapple, and calamansi for a tropical twist. St-Germain and grapefruit bitters tied the flavors together, while a citrus-pepper rim and edible flower garnish brought artistry and flair.
Ky shared that her cocktail was a celebration of growth and resilience—a nod to stepping into your power and embracing who you are. Guests felt that intention in every sip, which is why so many cast their votes in her favor.
For brands and venues, Ky’s double victory is a lesson in the power of storytelling. Consumers are drawn not only to taste but also to narrative. A drink that tells a story can build an emotional connection, giving businesses an edge in creating memorable experiences for their guests.
What This Means for Hospitality
The victories at this year’s competition highlight how cocktails are more than just beverages. They are expressions of culture, creativity, and identity. For consumers, supporting these bartenders means experiencing flavors that are rooted in passion and purpose. For businesses, it’s a case study in how empowering talent pays off—not only in innovative drinks but also in customer loyalty.
By investing in bartenders, giving them platforms to showcase their creativity, and celebrating their wins, venues position themselves as leaders in hospitality. Events like Battle of the Babes also underscore the importance of inclusivity, showing how diverse perspectives can push the industry forward in exciting, profitable ways.
This year’s winners—Alley, Rosalynn, and Ky—each brought something unique to the table: a fiery debut, a playful balance, and a history-making double victory. Their cocktails weren’t just drinks; they were stories in a glass, each crafted with vision and care.
Guests left inspired, excited, and eager for more. And while the winners have rightfully earned their spotlight, the event also celebrated the collective spirit of every competitor, judge, DJ, and vendor who made the night what it was.
The Role of HoCo
Behind the competition stands HoCo, a company dedicated to building community, curating events, and creating platforms where hospitality talent can thrive. HoCo’s mission is to connect businesses and consumers in meaningful ways, bridging the gap between vision and execution. Through experiences like Battle of the Babes, HoCo continues to champion creativity, inclusion, and innovation in the industry.
The 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition was proof of the brilliance women bring to the bar. If you missed it this time, don’t make the same mistake next year. It’s more than a competition—it’s an experience filled with energy, artistry, and unforgettable moments.
