The biggest week on the Bar calendar kicks off this Sunday the 14th of September, with each event having something special to offer. From parties to tastings to competitions, we have loads of events around Sydney to choose from. Today we present all the events held on Monday the 15th of September, featuring the coveted Australian Bartender of the year competition, trivia nights, late night blow outs and more.
Australian Bartender Magazine Bartender of the Year competition
When: Monday, 15th September from 12pm to 5pm
Where: Four Pillars Laboratory, 410 Crown St, Surry Hills
Get ready for one of Sydney Bar Week’s most exciting events – finding the 2025 Australian Bartender of the Year.
The competition will be at Four Pillars Laboratory in Surry Hills, with Australia’s best bartenders putting their knowledge, skills, and creativity to the test.
Watch as the nation’s top contenders shake and stir it out for the ultimate accolade, starting with a written exam to test their knowledgeable, which is followed by a classic cocktail round. The top three then battle it out live in front of their peers, friends and family. This is where industry legends are made – come and witness the passion, flair and innovation that define Australia’s best behind the bar!
Presented by Vanguard Luxury Brands
If you’re interested in competing for the crown, please email events@twodeforce.com.au to register your interest.
The Bartender’s Choice: Mastering Personalised Drink Service
When: Monday, 15th September, from 1pm to 3pm
Where: The Waratah, 308-310 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst
Join Michael and Zara Madrusan at The Waratah for cocktails and conversation in anticipation of the release of their ambitious second book, The Madrusan Cocktail Companion, launching internationally late Sept/early Oct. In conversation with Zara, Michael will reflect on his formative years at Milk & Honey NYC and the 20+ years of research that shaped the book.
The duo will break down their ‘Branches’ framework and their formulae for each cocktail category, as well as the techniques behind delivering personalised service intuitively and efficiently night after night. Attendees will get a first look at the digital book with opportunities to pre-order, together with an exclusive recipe guide to take home as well as cocktails courtesy of Suntory Global Spirits.?
Proudly Sponsored by Suntory Global Spirits.
RSVP with the subject line ‘MCC’, your name and the number of guests to hello@bartenderschoice.com.au by Wednesday 10th Sept.
Highland Park – A Taste of Orkney’s Wild Harmony
When: Monday, 15th September from 3pm to 5pm
Where: Aster Rooftop, Level 32/117 Macquarie St, Sydney
Join us on Monday, 15th September, and indulge in a whisky experience designed to engage all five senses. Doors will open from 2:30pm for a 3:00pm sharp start.
Hosted by Mark Hickey and Max Borrowman, this immersive tasting (capped at 40 guests) will explore the elemental beauty of Orkney through Highland Park’s signature smoke, sherry-cask richness, and wild island terroir.
Enjoy guided drams, interactive pairings, and a build-your-own Heather & Honey Highball on arrival. From the windswept Hobbister Moor to the final 25-Year-Old pour, this is a journey into tradition, flavour, and the wild harmony that defines Highland Park.
Bourbon, BBQ & Bluegrass: From Kentucky to Your Glass
When: Monday, 15th September from 5pm to 7pm
Where: Jolene’s Sydney, 73 York St, Sydney
Join us for an evening of Bourbon, Barbeque, and Bluegrass! Sip on expertly crafted cocktails and savour delicious Southern food, all while enjoying the lively tunes of a bluegrass band.?
This event is brought to you by the legendary bourbons of Elijah Craig and Heaven Hill, promising an authentic taste of Kentucky.?
Don’t miss this perfect blend of good food, great music, and exceptional spirits.
It’s a REMATCH BEEYATCH!
When: Monday, 15th September, 7pm to 9pm
Where: Old Mate’s Place, level 4/199 Clarence St
This is the bastard son and idiot brother of the much talked about Itís a Rematch Beeyatch Uk. Born from the beautiful thing that was Mr Myagiís Mixological Mayhem and remixed from Jigger, Beaker, BADASS! It’s reached as far as NY, NOLA, Canada, Moscow, all over the Land Of OZ and is on its way to Bar Week!
Organised by bartenders for bartenders!
AND last but not least.. $50 entry, winner takes ALL!
The rules are as follows
Entry fee for the competition is one crisp, ironed, $50 note. No money, no entry.
So you can begin your practise, you need official specs. The cost of the specs is covered in your entry fee. Running order will be chosen at random and is final. Book the WHOLE night off, you’ll need it.
Judging will be done by a couple of old washed-up bartenders, and all alcoholic decisions are final. Only perfect practise makes practice perfect, don’t come half-cocked You’re supposed to be a GUN! Spectators, Supporters and Hecklers welcome. The louder the merrier.
The Round
(In the interests of consistency and fairness, this will remain the same throughout all rematches)
2 Daiquiri – 1 Caipirinha – 1 Mojito – 1 Pina Colada – 1 Zombie – 1 Cuba Libre – 1 Planterís Punch – 1 Mai Tai – 1 Beer – 1 BRAP upon finishing (essential)
The Marks
65 marks for the fastest time – 20 marks for drink quality – 5 marks for cleanliness – 10 marks for technique, style, pure class and zen-like mixing – ZERO marks for wearing braces, hats or chatting good, yeah?
To enter contact Dre Walters or Charlie Lehman at Dre@oldmates.sydney or Charlie@ramblinrascal.com
Bat & Ball Hospo Trivia
When: Monday, 15th September from 9pm to late
Where: Bat & Ball, 495 Cleveland St, Redfern
The Bat & Ball has become notorious for its Monday night trivia, a favourite among hospo crews and punters alike. Now, for one night only during Sydney Bar Week 2025, the team is throwing open the doors for a late-night edition: HOSPO TRIVIA! Packed with Monkey Shoulder & Fever-Tree cocktails, giveaways, and hospo-themed rounds.
Hospo mate vs first mate, bar vs bar, group vs group, it’s all going down in the bistro. Join us from 9pm for what might just be the rowdiest trivia night Sydney’s ever seen.
Heartbreaker’s 10 Year Anniversary Tour
When: Monday, 15th September from 10pm to late
Where: Ramblin Rascal Tavern, Basement/60 Park St, Sydney
Heartbreaker is turning ten and to celebrate, we’re packing up the Melbourne mayhem and hitting the road with a pop up at Ramblin’ Rascal. In celebration of Bar Week, we’re bringing the team and the tunes, together with bar top antics, New York-style pizza, and one hell of a good time ‘til the early hours. Following a whopping four nominations in this year’s Bar Awards, we’re doing what we Heartbreaker’s do best: bringing this amazing industry together for a night to remember. If you like your nights loud and your drinks cold, come join the fun for Heartbreaker’s for the first interstate appearance on record.
Proudly Sponsored by Suntory Global Spirits.
RSVP with subject line ‘HBR’, your name and the number of guests to hello@bartenderschoice.com.au by Friday 12th September.