Step Into The Never Never returns with more winners, bigger prizes, and a
helicopter ride or two
Never Never’s Step into the Never Never Bartender Challenge is
back – and this year, it’s soaring to new heights (we’re not just talking about the
helicopter tours over McLaren Vale).
More bartenders than ever will be joining the Never Never team for an
unforgettable three-day prize trip across Adelaide and the stunning McLaren Vale
region.
To celebrate the launch of their bold new label and larger bottle, Never Never is
inviting bartenders to craft two drinks that prove they’ve got what it takes to
represent their state or territory on a national stage.
Participants will need to develop and promote two gin-based cocktails – a Bright
& Long sparkling serve and a three-ingredient cocktail – both featured on a
physical venue menu throughout the month of August.
“Whether it’s yuzu twists or grapefruit blushes, we want bartenders to create a
long, sparkling drink that showcases our Triple Juniper, Ginache, or Oyster Shell
Gin,” says Never Never co-founder Sean Baxter.
The second challenge is a test of simplicity and flavour impact: a three-ingredient
serve that proves less really can be more. “We want a cocktail that causes a stir –
something magical, exciting, and unforgettable,” adds Sean. “Like our new labels,
it needs to turn heads.”
The big shift for 2025? A return to seven winners from across Australia – one each
from every state and territory (with TAS and ACT combined) – plus an extra
wildcard spot for the competitor who creates the best overall menu. This will
make 8 winners in total.
“We’re going big again – helicopter transfers, great accommodation, curated
dinners, wild bartending challenges and some unforgettable moments shared with
some of the best hospo talent in the country,” says Sean.
Participating venues will also benefit from a scavenger hunt-style campaign,
with customers encouraged to visit bars and seek out featured Never Never
menus – with great prizes on offer.
“We know it’s tough out there. That’s why we’re driving customers into bars and
rewarding them for supporting our industry,” says Sean.
Entries open July 1st, with menus to run throughout August. Winners will be
flown to South Australia for the October Long Weekend (October 4–7) to
compete for glory – and a few jaw-dropping surprises along the way.
If you are interested in taking part in this year’s competition follow the link below.
neverneverdistilling.com.au
STEP 1
LONG & BRIGHT
Create a “Long & Bright” serve using either Triple Juniper, Ginache, or Oyster Shell Gin. You can use soda or tonic as your mixer.
MUST CONTAIN 30ML OF GIN AND NO MORE THAN 1 STANDARD DRINK.
STEP 2
CAUSE A STIR
Create a cocktail using Triple Juniper or Ginache or Oyster Shell Gin that aims to ‘Cause a Stir’ with only THREE
ingredients. It needs to contain a minimum of 30ml of gin. The following do not count towards your total ingredients: Garnish, Water, Co2, salt, sugar, yeast, citric and malic acid.
STEP 3
Both drinks must feature on a physical menu and be available throughout August.
STEP 4
Submit your drinks and a photo of your menu via the Never Never website from 1-31 July.
The Never Never advocacy team, led by founder Sean Baxter, will be hosting a series of masterclasses around the country in early July. Attendees will sample the Never Never core range, try winning cocktails from previous years and get the inside line on how to do well in the competition. It will also be a chance to see the new 700ml packaging up close and get your hands on some merch. Check out the Never Never social feed for upcoming masterclass timings and for more info reach out to Shay at [email protected].
Adelaide: Wednesday 2nd July @ 1 – 3pm, Bank St Social
Brisbane: Monday 7th July @ 1 – 3pm, Frog’s Hollow Saloon
Melbourne: Tuesday 8th July @ 1 – 3pm, Pendant Public Bar
Geelong: Thursday 10th July @ 1 – 3pm, 18th Amendment
Sunshine Coast: Thursday 10th July 10/7/25 @ 2 – 4pm, Wat Den
Sydney: Monday 14th July @ 1 – 3pm, Palomino Lounge
Gold Coast: Tuesday 15th July @ 1 – 3pm, Loose Moose
Perth: Wednesday 16th July @ 1 – 3pm, Terrarium