The Spark of a Bartending Star

In the vibrant city of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, where history, tradition, and gastronomy come together, a young bartender named Sonia García Durán has been making waves in the hospitality industry. At only 23 years of age, Sonia has already earned recognition as one of the most promising bartenders and hospitality professionals in Galicia and beyond. Known for her creativity in cocktail-making, her strong belief in genuine hospitality, and her determination to elevate the role of bartenders and waiters in modern society, she represents the new face of Spanish bartending—talented, passionate, and unafraid to challenge stereotypes.

This is the story of Sonia García Durán, a bartender who turned childhood memories in her family’s bar into an award-winning professional journey filled with innovation, recognition, and dreams of inspiring future generations.

Early Life and Family Roots

Sonia was born in Teo, a small but charming town in Galicia, Spain. From a very young age, she was surrounded by the world of hospitality. Her parents ran a bar, and instead of simply observing from the sidelines, Sonia became a helping hand as early as eight years old. She carried trays, served coffee, poured local wine (“viño do país”), and absorbed the rhythm of service. For many children, playing in the backyard was a daily routine, but for Sonia, the bar became both playground and classroom.

The bar taught her not just the mechanics of service but the essence of human connection. She witnessed firsthand how a smile, a well-served drink, or a kind gesture could transform a guest’s day. It was here that her philosophy of hospitality began to take shape—hospitality was not just a job, it was a way of making people feel welcome and valued.

Education and Professional Formation

As Sonia grew older, her passion for the hospitality world only deepened. She pursued her studies at CIFP Compostela, one of Galicia’s leading hospitality and restaurant training institutes. Here, she polished her technical skills in service, bartending, and mixology, while also learning about the broader cultural and professional aspects of the industry.

Education for Sonia was not just about acquiring certificates—it was about gaining tools to transform her passion into excellence. She combined classroom learning with real-world practice, often returning to the bar to implement new ideas. Her family’s bar continued to be her laboratory, where knowledge met creativity.

Her ambitions extended beyond working behind the bar. Sonia has openly shared her plans to become a professor of Hospitality and Restaurant Services. Teaching, for her, is not only about passing on skills but also about changing perceptions, inspiring respect for the profession, and encouraging young people to see hospitality as a career full of dignity, creativity, and potential.

Breaking Stereotypes in Hospitality

In the hospitality world, bartending and waitressing often face prejudices. Many people underestimate the complexity of the profession, considering it as “just serving drinks or food.” Sonia has always fought against this stereotype. She has publicly spoken about how frustrating it is when people fail to recognize the value of bartenders and servers. For her, bartending is a craft, an art, and a science that requires dedication, skill, and passion.

Moreover, as a young woman in a traditionally male-dominated bartending environment, Sonia also faces gender-based stereotypes. Instead of being discouraged, she has used these challenges as motivation to prove herself through skill, knowledge, and performance. Her successes in competitions and her growing reputation demonstrate that talent knows no gender.

Rise to Recognition: Competitions and Awards

Competitions became a turning point in Sonia’s journey, giving her both visibility and validation in the professional community.

In 2023, Sonia achieved her first major breakthrough by winning the XIX Trofeo al Mejor Cocktail con Aguardiente de Galicia. Her cocktail, titled “Malo Será” (a popular Galician expression meaning “It will be fine”), was a true reflection of her creativity and understanding of local ingredients. It was crafted with aguardiente de orujo blanco, licor de hierbas, cordial, pink grapefruit syrup, lime juice, and egg white—garnished beautifully with pineapple leaves, radishes, and lemon peel. This drink not only impressed the judges with its balance of flavors but also highlighted her ability to blend tradition with innovation.

In 2025, her career reached new heights. She won the XXII Campeonato Galego de Coctelería in the “Young Bartender” category, securing the Trofeo Schweppes with her cocktail “Un Bico o Ceo” (“A Kiss to the Sky”). This victory positioned her as one of Galicia’s leading young bartenders, someone capable of representing the region at a national and international level.

That same year, she was also awarded the title of Best Waitress in Northwest Spain during the semifinals of the prestigious “Camarero del Año” competition in A Coruña. This recognition extended her reputation beyond bartending, showcasing her overall excellence in hospitality and service.

Each award Sonia has earned is more than a trophy—it is a symbol of her belief that hospitality is an art worth respecting.

Work Experience: Cafetería El Estudio and Beyond

Sonia currently works at Cafetería El Estudio de Gescahoteles in Santiago de Compostela. This establishment provides the perfect stage for her to refine her skills, experiment with new ideas, and connect with diverse customers every day. Her presence there is not just as an employee but as someone who adds value to the establishment with her passion and reputation.

Additionally, she serves as the Community Manager for AGaBA (Asociación Galega de Barmen), demonstrating her commitment to the industry not only through her craft but also through promoting the bartending community. Managing AGaBA’s digital presence keeps her connected with fellow professionals, trends, and events, further consolidating her role as a rising leader in the hospitality scene.

Philosophy of Hospitality and Service

For Sonia, bartending is about much more than mixing drinks. It is about creating experiences. Every cocktail tells a story, every interaction leaves a memory, and every detail matters. She emphasizes that true hospitality is built on attitude: when staff enjoy what they do, it translates into better service and happier guests.

Her guiding principle can be summed up in one of her favorite phrases:
“Life is full of opportunities only for those who know how to see and seize them.”

This philosophy reflects her proactive approach to life and career—she sees opportunities in every challenge and strives to make the most of them.

Personal Tastes and Inspirations

Outside her professional achievements, Sonia has shared glimpses of her personal tastes that inspire her bartending journey.

• Favorite Restaurant: Bibo by Dani García in Madrid, where modern gastronomy meets creativity.
• Favorite Book: Mueble Bar by François Monti, a reflection of her interest in the history and culture of cocktails.
• Favorite Wine: Oremus Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos, a Hungarian sweet wine renowned for its elegance and complexity.
• Memorable Experience: Traveling with AGaBA to the World Cocktail Championship in Rome, which broadened her horizons and connected her with global professionals.

These inspirations feed her creativity and strengthen her identity as a bartender who values both tradition and global influence.

Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations

Sonia’s ambitions extend far into the future. In five years, she envisions herself teaching hospitality and bartending, passing on her skills and philosophy to a new generation. She wants to be more than a practitioner; she wants to be a mentor and a change-maker.

She also advocates for better recognition of hospitality professionals. For Sonia, waiters and bartenders deserve respect, fair working conditions, and acknowledgment for their role in shaping the dining and drinking experiences that define modern culture.

Legacy in the Making

Though she is still at the beginning of her career, Sonia García Durán is already leaving a mark on the hospitality industry. Her blend of youthful energy, professional achievements, and visionary aspirations makes her a role model for aspiring bartenders and hospitality workers in Spain and beyond.

From the little girl serving coffee in her parents’ bar in Teo to a celebrated young bartender and award-winning professional in Santiago de Compostela, Sonia’s story is a reminder that passion, dedication, and authenticity can turn humble beginnings into extraordinary journeys.

Her journey embodies the future of hospitality: creative, human-centered, and deeply rooted in respect for the profession.

Conclusion

The story of Sonia García Durán is still being written, but her trajectory already speaks volumes. With each cocktail she crafts, each competition she wins, and each customer she delights, Sonia redefines what it means to be a bartender. She stands as proof that the hospitality industry is not just about serving—it is about inspiring, connecting, and elevating human experiences.

At only 23, she is already a champion, a leader, and an inspiration. The future holds endless possibilities, and if Sonia’s philosophy is any indication, she will continue to seize every opportunity and transform them into milestones of success.