Last night Alex Boon of Pearl Diver Cocktails & Oysters, Melbourne, was crowned the winner of the 2022 PATRÓN Perfectionists Australian Cocktail Competition. Finalists competed in two challenges over two days in Sydney, culminating in a celebration and winner’s announcement party that took place at The Eveleigh in Sydney that was transformed to represent Hacienda PATRÓN.
Alex’s delicious cocktails, Frankie and 60 Hands Highball were presented alongside the creations of nine other competitors from across Australia.
Congratulations again to all finalists.
- Andie Bulley of Savile Row, Brisbane
- Bec Bayley of Before + After, Brisbane
- Chris Tilley of Neon Palms & Volare Bar, Perth
- Etien Celzner of Rude boy, Hobart
- Haadee Bahar of Mimi’s & Will’s, Sydney
- Kayla Reid of Nick & Nora’s, Melbourne
- Martin McConnell of Frog’s Hollow Saloon, Brisbane
- Storm Evans of Cantina OK!, Sydney
- Talis Heggart of Shotgun Willie’s & Memphis Slim’s House of Blues, Adelaide
The entry challenge, called Hometown Hero, required entrants to develop a cocktail that blends PATRÓN Silver tequila with the bartender’s local culture, using ingredients from a prescribed list, the Pantry. Alex created Frankie inspired by Uncle Tobys Oats.
The second round that competitors completed was The My Masterpiece challenge and resulted in spectacular cocktails being presented to our esteemed judges; Anneliese Grazioli – 2019 Australian PATRÓN Perfectionists winner, Harrison Kenney – reigning PATRÓN Perfectionists Cocktail Competition Global Winner, Joey Chisholm – PATRÓN Tequila Execution Manager, and Sam Bygrave – founder and editor of Boothby.
Alex Boon will go on to compete against another 18 countries and cruise liners, taking part in the much-coveted global finals experience taking place at Hacienda PATRÓN, Mexico, in March 2023. During the global finals, bartenders will undertake a new series of challenges, testing each part of a bartender’s skillset – he will be sure to shine.
Alex masterfully presented his cocktail 60 Hands Highball showcasing the iconic Australian mango, paired perfectly with PATRÓN Silver. He used creative techniques to wow the judges by highlighting mango in three ways.
Joey Chisholm, PATRÓN Tequila Execution Manager said “What an amazing national final, congratulations to all of our top 10 but as always there can only be one winner! Alex’s presentation skills and overall drink concept for both challenges is what got them over the line in what was a very tight final. I am super excited to take Alex over to Mexico to the Global finals in March and hopefully deliver back to back wins for Australia!”
Alex Boon will go on to compete against another 18 countries and cruise liners, taking part in the much-coveted global finals experience taking place at Hacienda PATRÓN, Mexico, in March 2023. During the global finals, bartenders will undertake a new series of challenges, testing each part of a bartender’s skillset – he will be sure to shine.
Enjoy Boon’s winning cocktails.
Frankie 50ml PATRÓN Silver 20ml Good Oloroso Sherry 17.5ml Tasmanian Honey 60ml Uncle Tobys Oat Hortchata 1 Pinch Sea Salt Whisk with a small amount of crushed ice in a milkshake maker and strain into highball glass over cubed ice. Garnish with Aleppo pepper-infused dark chocolate.
60 Hands Highball 45ml PATRÓN Silver 15ml Mango Liquor 15ml Verjuice 20ml Lacto fermented mango syrup 60ml clarified mango juice Carbonated and served over ice in a highball Garnished with mango three-ways sphere