Gráinne McDonald has become the first woman in Ireland to co-found an Irish-owned tequila brand
Gráinne McDonald, a native of Cobh, has just made Irish spirits history by becoming the first woman in Ireland to co-found an Irish-owned tequila brand. The new premium tequila, Cinco Patricio’s, is creating waves in the drinks industry and it’s all thanks to this ambitious Cork entrepreneur.
Together with two co-founders, brothers Paul and Adam Scally, from Galway, Gráinne came up with the idea to launch Ireland’s first ever tequila. With a strong background in media, events and entrepreneurship, she left her job as commercial and events manager at RSVP to pursue this dream. And she has no regrets.
“I never let nerves or fear hold me back from following my dreams,” says the Cobh native. “I believe in this tequila, and so there was no issue in moving on from my job. I’m involved in three start-ups and excited about bringing them to the next level. I’m creative, a hard worker and a real people’s person and I made the decision to direct that energy towards businesses I can grow and really believe in.”
Although owned and based here in Ireland and using Irish ingredients, tequila has to be made in Mexico, says Gráinne. “You might be surprised to learn that tequila can only be made in Mexico, similar to how Champagne must be produced in the Champagne region of France. Cinco Patricio’s is distilled in the highlands of Jalisco, near Guadalajara, under the guidance of a fifth-generation distiller. But one of the tequila’s key ingredients is Irish Galway bay seaweed, sourced from the west coast of Ireland, giving the spirit a hint of sea breeze and a nod to its Irish roots.
Changing Perceptions: Tequila as a Celebration Spirit
In Ireland, tequila is often misunderstood, with a lot of people thinking of it as a harsh party shot rather than a premium, complex spirit.
“All three of us are tequila lovers. We sip it straight, we appreciate its quality, and we wanted to show Irish people there’s another side to it,” says Gráinne. “It’s also naturally gluten free, low in calories, and doesn’t spike blood sugar like other spirits. You can enjoy it without compromising on health or your fitness. I enjoy a drink when I go out, but I also love to be up the next morning for a run, a hike or a workout class. I don’t want to be stuck in bed nursing a hangover. No thank you! So that’s why I love tequila and if I want to turn it into a long drink. I add sparkling water and a twist of lime”.
Pioneering in a Male-Dominated Spirits Industry
Traditionally, the Irish whiskey and spirits world has been a male-dominated space. But that’s changing.
“We’re finally seeing more women at the forefront of Irish distilling, blending and bonding,” Gráinne explains. “But as far as we know, I may be the only woman in Ireland in the tequila business right now. That’s not something I take lightly.”
She brings with her not only the entrepreneurial grit but also creative vision and a passion for community and storytelling. The brand name, Cinco Patricio’s, honours Los San Patricios, a group of Irish soldiers who fought alongside the Mexicans during the Mexican-American War of 1846. Led by John Riley from Clifden, Galway, the battalion represented solidarity, courage, and rebellion, values that mirror the brand’s ethos.
The five “Patricios” in the brand also symbolise the founding elements: Paul, Adam, Gráinne, Mexico, and Ireland, a powerful blend of heritage, culture, and collaboration.
What started as a casual conversation for the three founders developed into Ireland’s first tequila, a journey that included a product research trip to Mexico, as Gráinne explains.
“After long days of tasting, talking, and testing in Mexico, Cinco Patricio’s finally came to life. We were delighted with the premium tequila that blends Mexican craftsmanship with a dash of Irish boldness and of the best of our natural seaweed.
“Tequila is tied to celebration in Mexico, and we loved that. We wanted to bring that energy here,” says Gráinne. “I’m all about energy and I feel that Cinco Patricio’s isn’t just a drink, it’s a conversation starter, and a tribute to doing things differently.”
Gráinne’s journey from Cobh to co-founding Ireland’s first tequila brand is an inspiring one for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women breaking into traditionally male-dominated industries.
Whether it’s through Your Best Life (the events and wellness-driven platform she co-founded), or All About Cork (a bold new digital space for the Cork region, which she also co-founded), or now with Cinco Patricio’s, Gráinne’s always creating, building and elevating Irish culture and communityt
When asked what advice she would give to someone thinking of starting their own business, Gráinne’s advice is to go for it, have your homework done but don’t overthink it. “Overthinking can freeze you in your tracks. And don’t wait around for the ‘perfect time’ because it might never show up. Go in with a positive mindset and back yourself, but keep it real too. Ask yourself, what’s the worst that could happen? So maybe it mightn’t work out, but even then, at least you gave it a shot. That’s way better than looking back one day and wondering ‘what if?’ because you let fear hold you back.”
Next time you raise a glass, make it Irish-owned tequila and say Sláinte and Salud to a Cobh woman blazing a trail from Cork to Mexico and back again. .
