Meet the Collective | Kapri Robinson

Introducing Kapri Robinson, a 2024 member of the Westland Cocktail Collective. Robinson started at bars in her hometown of Washington DC when she was just 21 years old, and has blossomed as an industry star in the years following as she built her career. From being cast a role in Netflix’s Drinkmasters to starting her own National Cocktail Competition rooted in advocacy to most recently being awarded US Bartender of the Year, Robinson is one to watch in the cocktail industry. Her accolades include being named 2024 US Bartender of the Year by the Spirited Awards at the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and 2023 Bartender of the Year by Liquor.com. Robinson is definitely one to watch in the cocktail world.

We asked Kapri to create a signature cocktail using Westland Flagship, a drink she’d be proud to place on a menu where she works. Her answer was The Brave, a carbonated cocktail that showcases the tropical notes of Westland.  On this signature drink, Robinson states that “Westland is a brave spirit. They're not trying to cut any corners. They're not trying to do anything quickly. They're doing everything with love and passion and craft, and that's something that I do with my own cocktails." 

When we sat down with Kapri, we asked her what she looks for in a good whiskey to use in cocktails. She spoke of “Perfect Simplicity.” She continues, “A good whiskey brings a deepness, a richness to a cocktail.” Westland's roasted malts that deliver chocolate undertones intermingle with ester-driven fruit and tropical notes that deliver robust flavors to simple drinks.