Team IMAGE share their favourite cocktails from Dublin’s Pen & Player

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Harcourt Street, Pen & Player is not just a cocktail bar – it’s a gateway to a world where history and modernity blend seamlessly. 

Steeped in rich stories and brimming with character, this Dublin gem invites patrons to embark on a sensory journey like no other. From the moment you step through the doors, you’re greeted by a blend of historical charm and contemporary flair.

And most importantly, the cocktails are exquisite. 

Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or simply curious, the drinks at Pen & Player tell a story of their own which is one of creativity, craftsmanship, and a touch of Dublin’s vibrant essence.

Recently, team IMAGE had the privilege of participating in a cocktail-making masterclass at the stylish bar and we saw first-hand how the art of mixology is unveiled in a truly captivating way.

The masterclass was a celebration of cocktail fusions, offering a hands-on experience that was both educational and exhilarating. Each team member had the opportunity to craft their own signature cocktail, revealing a unique taste of the bar’s innovative spirit.

Here are their favourite tipples from the night.

Megan Burns, Editor, IMAGE Interiors

“I’ve never had a cocktail quite like Pen & Player’s ‘A Performance in the Round’. Infused with an incredibly buttery, caramel popcorn flavour, it’s balanced out with ginger ale and has a kick from Patrón Reposado. Totally unique, and it definitely kept me coming back for more!”

Emily O’Neill, Branded Partnerships, Marketing Account Executive

“I really enjoyed the ‘Repertoire & Review’ cocktail which was light and fruity with a slightly bitter punch to it. It is a gin-based cocktail with strawberry cordial, egg whites, chardonnay and Campari candy. I’m usually a whiskey-based cocktail lover but this swayed me to the gin side!”

Sarah Finnan, Deputy Digital Editor, IMAGE.ie

“Pen & Player do this very cool cocktail checklist at the start of the masterclass – you choose from a range of different alcohols and flavour profiles and then they create a drink based on that. The ‘Sour Vodka’ cocktail they whipped up is my new go-to; zingy and fresh, it’s the perfect summer serve. Special mention for the popcorn on arrival too – extremely delicious and highly addictive.”

Lauren Heskin, Editor, IMAGE Magazine

“I asked the bartender to mix me a non-alcoholic cocktail and my only direction was that it’s ‘not too sweet’ and that (when not growing a human) a margarita is my go-to. I honestly can’t remember all the ingredients, in part because he whipped, shook, poured and garnished it so fast that I tried not to blink, but it was some kind of sour cherry deliciousness. Certainly not too sweet but with a depth of flavour combinations that it really felt like a cocktail – not at all like the usual fare of a fizzy drink softened with some citrus acid. Even the girls who could sample the hard stuff were impressed with my order.”

Édaein O’ Connell, IMAGE Contributor

“From the stunning interiors to the popcorn on arrival to seeing all of the intentional ingredients that are added to the cocktails, I was so impressed by Pen & Player. My favourite was a beautiful sour agave and tequila cocktail we made on the night. It was so fun to make it myself and I’m still thinking about how delicious the tipple was.”