Salud from both sides of the Atlantic

A Cork woman is making history with the world’s first Irish-owned tequila brand.

Distilled in Mexico using 100% blue agave, the spirit is naturally gluten-free, contains no added sugars or additives, and offers a clean alternative to sugary cocktails or grain-based liquors. Because it’s made from pure agave, it won’t spike blood sugar levels.

Gráinne McDonald from Cobh is one of the co-founders behind Cinco Patricio’s, a new premium spirit that blends Mexican tradition with Irish creativity.

Produced in the heart of Jalisco, Mexico – the home of tequila – Cinco Patricio’s stays true to classic distilling methods while introducing a distinctly Irish twist. Galway Bay seaweed is used during production, adding a subtle maritime flavour and symbolising the connection between both cultures.

“As Irish founders, we’re proud to share a piece of our passion and identity through Cinco Patricio’s,” said Co-Founder, Gráinne McDonald. “This isn’t just about introducing a new tequila; it’s about forging a cross-cultural connection and celebrating craftsmanship on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Crafted with authenticity, care, and a bold Irish spirit, Cinco Patricio’s is set to change how tequila is enjoyed across Ireland.

The brand name is inspired by the Saint Patrick’s Battalion (Los San Patricios), a group of Irish immigrants who fought alongside Mexico during the Mexican-American War of the 1840s. The founders chose the name as a tribute to that shared story of solidarity and adventure.

Co-founded by three like-minded friends — Gráinne McDonald, Paul Scally and Adam Scally — with a shared passion for craft spirits and cultural storytelling, the journey began with a vision to carve out a new path in the spirits industry by creating something that had never been done in Ireland before.

Together, they set out to create a premium tequila that honours authentic Mexican craftsmanship while celebrating Irish creativity, culture, and boldness. Creating an Irish-owned tequila from scratch is no easy task, especially with no roadmap to follow. But the team behind Cinco Patricio’s has already proven theimselves through previous projects like Tribe Irish Gin and the Tribe Gin School in Galway.

With its unique ingredients, striking backstory, and bold identity, Cinco Patricio’s is a spirited celebration of two cultures in one glass, and a fresh chapter in Irish drinks innovation.