Nigerian mixologist Happiness Cletus has secured her place at the Hennessy MyWay Global Finals after a stellar run that saw her win the national heat and finish second at the Africa Regional Finals in Johannesburg, South Africa. According to Bellanaija, her innovative cocktail concepts and flawless execution caught the judges’ attention at every stage. Her journey began in the bustling bars of Lagos, where she experimented with indigenous ingredients to create drinks that tell a Nigerian story. This achievement makes her one of only three African finalists set to compete on the international stage in Paris later this year. Early Passion and Training in Lagos Happiness Cletus grew up in Surulere, a district famed for its lively nightlife and street‑food culture. From a young age she was fascinated by the way bartenders blended spirits with fresh fruit, herbs and spices to spark conversation among patrons. She spent many evenings after school helping her uncle at his modest cocktail bar, learning the basics of measuring, shaking and garnishing. Those hands‑on moments taught her the rhythm of a busy service and the importance of consistency. Determined to turn her hobby into a craft, Happiness enrolled in a short‑course mixology programme at a Lagos hospitality institute. There she mastered classic techniques such as the French twist, the proper use of bar spoons and the science of ice dilution. While studying, she began experimenting with local flavours—zobo (hibiscus) syrup, fresh ginger, scent leaves and a pinch of pepper‑soup spice. Her instructors noted her uncanny ability to balance sweetness, acidity and bitterness, a skill that later became the hallmark of her competition drinks. These formative experiences shaped her ambition to one day represent Nigeria on the world stage, a goal that kept her focused as she refined her style and prepared for the Hennessy MyWay Global Finals. Winning the Hennessy MyWay Nigeria Finals The national leg of the Hennessy MyWay competition was staged in Lagos in early 2026, drawing over fifty talented mixologists from across the country. Each contestant was tasked with creating an original cocktail that reflected personal heritage while showcasing the versatility of Hennessy VSOP. Happiness entered the arena with a drink she christened “Naija Sunset”. The cocktail blended Hennessy VSOP, a house‑made zobo‑infused syrup, a dash of smoked paprika bitters, and was garnished with dried orange peel and a single hibiscus flower, evoking the colours of a Lagos evening. Judges praised the drink for its vivid hue, layered aroma and the seamless marriage of the cognac’s oak warmth with the tartness of hibiscus. They highlighted the subtle smokiness as a nod to Nigeria’s bustling street‑food grills. After a blind‑tasting round, contestants presented their creations live, explaining the story behind each ingredient. Happiness’s confident delivery and clear narrative impressed the panel, earning her the top spot. Winning the national title secured her a ticket to the Africa Regional Finals and placed her firmly on the path toward the Hennessy MyWay Global Finals, where she would carry the Nigerian flag. Road to the Hennessy MyWay Global Finals Following her national victory, Happiness joined other country winners for the Africa Regional Finals held in Johannesburg in mid‑2026. The regional stage featured the top mixologists from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and several other nations, each vying for one of three coveted slots for the global event. The competition format required each finalist to craft a signature drink in thirty minutes, then answer a rapid‑fire Q&A from the judges. It was a test of both technical skill and storytelling under pressure. For Johannesburg, Happiness refined her Naija Sunset, adding a subtle note of baobab fruit pulp to introduce a uniquely African texture. She also commissioned a custom‑etched glass inspired by traditional Adire fabric patterns, reinforcing the cultural narrative. During her presentation, she described the cocktail as a tribute to Lagos’ coastal sunsets and the resilience of Nigerian entrepreneurs, weaving personal anecdotes that resonated with the international panel. Finishing second overall, she secured one of the three African spots for the Hennessy MyWay Global Finals, confirming her status as a leading ambassador for Nigerian mixology. Africa Regional Finals Experience in Johannesburg The regional finals took place at a prestigious venue in Sandton, Johannesburg, with a panel of international judges that included master blenders, senior brand ambassadors and renowned cocktail chefs. Each finalist had thirty minutes to prepare and serve their signature drink, followed by a brief question‑and‑answer session. Happiness arrived early to acclimatise to the venue’s layout and to rehearse her timing. She spent the night reviewing her recipe, adjusting the balance of acidity and smoke to suit the higher altitude of the city. When her turn arrived, she executed the drink with precision, delivering a smooth pour, a controlled flame for the smoked bitters, and a confident explanation of each ingredient’s cultural significance. The judges commended the clarity of flavour and suggested a slightly lighter hand on the smoked element for future iterations. They also praised the visual impact of the Adire‑etched glass, noting it added a memorable aesthetic dimension. Beyond the competition, the event fostered valuable networking. Happiness exchanged ideas with fellow African mixologists, discussing the potential of indigenous botanicals and planning collaborative pop‑up events in Lagos, Accra and Nairobi, all of which bolstered her confidence heading into the global finals. Preparing for the Global Finals in Paris The Hennessy MyWay Global Finals are scheduled for later in 2026 in Paris, France, at a historic venue that has hosted previous international cocktail showcases. The stakes are high, with the world’s top mixologists converging to create innovative drinks under the brand’s spotlight. Back in Lagos, Happiness has intensified her training regimen. She now spends several hours each day in her home bar, testing variations of her cocktail to ensure consistency under the pressure of a live audience. Her focus is on perfecting the balance between the cognac’s oak notes and the bright acidity of the hibiscus base. She has also consulted with a senior mixologist from Abuja who specialises in flavour pairing. Together they are experimenting with a hint of ginger‑lemongrass foam to add a modern texture that complements the drink’s tropical roots. Presentation work is equally rigorous. Happiness rehearses her story in both English and French, aiming to connect with the diverse jury and audience. She practices the timing of her flame‑kissed bitters and the graceful placement of the hibiscus garnish to maximise visual impact. Mentally, she visualises the competition floor, the judges’ expressions and the moment of applause. This mental rehearsal, combined with her technical preparation, equips her to face the pressure of the Hennessy MyWay Global Finals with poise. Impact on Nigerian Mixology and Future Prospects Happiness Cletus’s success has already begun to inspire a new generation of Nigerian bartenders who now see mixology as a viable creative career. Several Lagos hospitality schools report increased enrolment in their cocktail‑making modules following her victory. Local bars are experimenting with more indigenous ingredients in their menus, often featuring a “Naija Sunset” inspired special that pays homage to her signature style. These trends signal a broader shift toward celebrating Nigerian flavours on the cocktail scene. Looking ahead, Happiness hopes to launch a mentorship programme that pairs aspiring mixologists with experienced professionals, focusing on sustainability and the use of locally sourced produce. She also envisions guest‑shift opportunities at international cocktail festivals, leveraging her platform from the Hennessy MyWay Global Finals. Her participation on the global stage not only elevates her personal brand but also shines a spotlight on African creativity within the spirits industry. The visibility she gains can attract collaborations with global brands, opening doors for other Nigerian talent. Ultimately, her journey from Lagos bars to the Parisian arena embodies the potential of home‑grown innovation, encouraging future mixologists to dream big and represent Nigeria at the Hennessy MyWay Global Finals and beyond. Frequently Asked Questions What is the Hennessy MyWay Global Finals? The Hennessy MyWay Global Finals is an international cocktail competition that brings together the best national winners from around the world to showcase original drinks made with Hennessy cognac. How did Happiness Cletus qualify for the global stage? She won the Hennessy MyWay Nigeria Finals, then placed second at the Africa Regional Finals in Johannesburg, which earned her one of the three African spots for the global event. Where and when will the 2026 Hennessy MyWay Global Finals take place? The finals are scheduled to be held in Paris, France, later in 2026, with the exact date announced by the brand closer to the event. Related Reading Massive Turnout Expected as Pope Visits Paris in 2026 Global AI Governance: Lessons for Africa from 2026 US-China Dialogue PrismML Deploys Tiny LLMs on Qualcomm-powered Smart Glasses Related posts: How a Fruit Fly’s Brain Sparked the Wildest Story Ideas of 2026 African Tech Unicorns Eye the Public Markets in 2026 EU Moves to Limit Social Media for Under‑15s, Raising Global Debate The Right to Repair Surge: Consumers Demand Control over Their Devices in 2026 Post navigation Massive Turnout Expected as Pope Visits Paris in 2026
