Cara Devine

Cara Devine has worked in hospitality since the age of 16, and after a stint as a hostess in a high end cocktail bar in Canada decided to focus on bartending as a career. After learning the ropes at award winning bars such as the Blythswood Square Hotel and Kelvingrove Cafe in Glasgow, she moved to the hospitality mecca that is Melbourne. Her working holiday visa saw her spend time at well-known haunts like Lily Blacks and Union Electric before moving to Bomba Tapas Bar and Rooftop, where she has moved through multiple facets of the business over seven years. Cara is currently co-owner of Goodwater bar in Northcote. 

Cara has always enjoyed the training and communication side of hospitality, and so around three years ago joined with some partners to start a drinks YouTube channel, Behind the Bar with Cara Devine, where she is the writer and presenter. She also writes for industry publications including being a regular contributor at Australian Bartender Magazine, and has been honoured to be a judge for several local and international spirits competitions. She has recently completed a cocktail book, Strong, Sweet & Bitter, which was published this year. 

Accolades include being named one of Drinks International’s Top 25 Australian Bartenders, being nominated for a Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award and placing number 14 on the Bartender Magazine ‘Most Influential’ List 2022.