Champion's Choice: Michal Ciupinski, 2025 Polish Coffee in Good Spirits Champion

We’re excited to introduce you Michal Ciupinski, who recently claimed the title of 2025 Polish Coffee in Good Spirits Champion. Known for his technical precision and creative flair, Michal combined exceptional coffee brewing with expert mixology, making APAX LAB mineral concentrates a crucial part of his competition-winning approach. We sat down with Michal to learn more about his journey, philosophy, and the role APAX LAB played in his success.

1. Tell us more about Coffee in Good Spirits—what is it, and what draws you to this competition?

Coffee in Good Spirits is all about combining coffee with alcohol—crafting unique recipes and presenting them in the most creative and engaging way on stage. What draws me to this competition is the perfect balance between technical skill and artistic expression. There’s a real hunger for excellence, yet it's always surrounded by a friendly, supportive atmosphere. That spirit of healthy competition and shared passion is what keeps me coming back.

2. Water plays a huge role in brewing coffee, but how does it impact coffee when paired with spirits?

Water is incredibly important in brewing coffee, especially in competitions like Coffee in Good Spirits, where the goal is to make the coffee shine through clearly in every cocktail. Even the best coffee in the world can taste flat or imbalanced if brewed with poor-quality water. That’s why I chose APAX minerals—a water formulation that highlights the sweetness, clarity, and complexity of my coffee, ensuring it stands out even when paired with strong spirits.

3. How did you first hear about APAX LAB, and what made you choose our products to craft your competition water?

I first heard about APAX LAB when Martin Wölfl won the World Brewers Cup. Later, a friend from Mamam Coffee Roastery encouraged me to try APAX minerals for this competition, and honestly, it was one of the best decisions I made.

4. In what ways did the mineral concentrates help elevate your cocktails and contribute to your win?

Using APAX minerals allows me to recreate the exact same water wherever I am—giving me full control over how my coffee tastes. It enhances the clarity, balance, and sweetness in the brew, which is essential not only for great coffee but also for building high-quality coffee cocktails. Consistency like this is a game-changer in competition.

5. Which APAX LAB profile is your favourite for crafting coffee-based cocktails?

For the coffee I chose for the competition, it was definitely JAMM that made the difference. It enhanced the fruity notes of my coffee exceptionally well.

6. What coffee did you choose for your winning drink, and why was it the perfect fit for your recipe?

I used a Caturra from Finca El Placer by Sebastian Ramirez. It's a coffee bursting with fruitiness, clear and easy-to-describe flavour notes, and an exceptionally big body. It was the perfect choice to pair with spirits, ensuring the coffee remained vibrant and expressive in the cocktail.

7. What was your winning water recipe with APAX LAB, and how did it interact with the coffee and spirits you used?

My winning recipe for 1L of distilled water was: 

0.5 g of TONIK |  2 g of JAMM |  1.5 g of LYLAC

This specific mineral blend enhanced the fruitiness and vibrancy of my coffee, clearly highlighting the flavours I wanted both in the brewed coffee and in my cocktails.

8. Do you see potential for APAX LAB beyond coffee—perhaps in cocktails, tea, or other beverages?

Absolutely! I believe APAX minerals could become a fantastic ingredient in cocktails or brewed teas. It has the power to completely transform the character of the drink, significantly enhancing the way we experience beverages beyond coffee alone.

9. For those new to crafting their own water for coffee and cocktails, what advice would you give them?

Firstly, be mindful that you don't overdo the drop dosage as these concentrates are potent. But definitely don't shy away from exploring them, as APAX minerals can truly revolutionise coffee brewing. Stay curious, experiment, and see how far you can elevate your drinks!

We’re proud to celebrate Michal Ciupinski’s incredible achievement and passion for coffee and cocktails. His innovative use of APAX LAB minerals demonstrates the unlimited possibilities when creativity and precision come together. We look forward to seeing what Michal accomplishes next!