Danny Andrade is the winner of 2023 Australian Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, a competition that tests the country’s best mixologists with coffee and alcohol combinations.
Name: Danny Andrade
Nationality: Brazilian
Instagram: @dannyandrade18 @processingmethodsbootcamp
Company: Neli Coffee, Clontarf, QLD, and Founder of Processing Methods Bootcamp
Competition: 2023 Australian Specialty Coffee Association Coffee in Good Spirits Championship
Q: What and where was your first job in the coffee industry?
A: I started working at Santo Grão, a café in São Paulo, Brazil in 2006. In 2008, I moved to Australia to expand my knowledge and work alongside passionate coffee connoisseurs who’ve shaped the industry.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in coffee?
A: Before I started working with coffee, I was a bartender, and fell in love with mixology and creating new beverages. My first day at Santo Grão, I tried my first espresso, and it changed my life. I was instantly hooked.
Q: What’s your go-to coffee cocktail to make?
A: I like to play around with different ingredients and mix it up, but my favourite is an Irish coffee.
Q: What’s your favourite part of being a roaster?
A: Trying to unlock the beautiful flavours of the coffee that producers work hard to create.
Q: What’s your go-to coffee order?
A: Filter coffee.
Q: How did you come up with the idea of your ‘Love Potion’ designer drink?
A: That came from my collaboration with Martin Mwangi, an open-minded producer from Ngacha Coffee Estate in Kenya. We connected three years ago and started experimenting at his coffee farm to create a new coffee processing method called Competition Series – Hybrid Natural. The idea was that people would try it and instantly fall in love with it, like I did with coffee when I tried my first espresso.
Q: How does it feel to be representing Australia in the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship?
A: I’m honoured and very grateful to everyone that has helped me prepare for the competition. My family, team, and friends have all been so supportive. I’m very lucky to be surrounded by such generous people in Queensland.
Q: When it comes to the world championship, what are you most excited about?
A: I’m excited to share my message through my routine and connect with people.
Q: How will you celebrate after your performance?
A: I will spend time with the people who have helped me practise for the competition. I’ll definitely need a drink afterwards, too.
Q: Are you planning on doing any sight-seeing while you’re in Taiwan for the worlds?
A: Yes definitely. I want to relax, visit nice cafés, and taste good food.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of in your coffee career?
A: Connecting with incredible people.
Q: What advice do you have for any baristas looking to compete?
A: Film yourself practising your routine. It’s easier to refine your technique when you watch it back and see yourself from another perspective.
This article appears in the December 2023 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
