Southland mixologist Stefani has been named as the second runner-up in the national Monin NZ Cocktail Cup.

Ms Stefani, who works at The Langlands hotel’s rooftop bar 360, alongside former The Langlands colleague Niamh Haszard, now from Te Anau’s Fat Duck, made their mark in the nation’s top six mixologists after competing in the national final on Monday alongside some of the country’s leading bartenders.

The competition aimed to give young bartenders the opportunity to challenge themselves in a professional competition with their "timeless twists" entries — a drink based on a classic gin sour.

Ms Haszard said while she did not place in the competition she enjoyed the camaraderie of being able to compete against her former colleague as well as cheer her on.

"It was pretty exciting because then you can root for the other person and they root for you, so it was really exciting doing it with Stefani and having someone you could stick with."

Fat Duck owner Selina Wright said Niamh gained a lot of experience…