With entries closing at 23:59 AEST on September 30, time is ticking for Australian bartenders to submit their Patrón Perfectionist entries for a chance to win the global cocktail competition.
This year, the entry challenge is to create a Patrón Paloma inspired by their favourite global city. The cocktail must feature Patrón Reposado, soda water, a creative cordial flavoured as the bartender likes, grapefruit in some form, and inspired by their city of choice.
Well-known bartender and owner of Re, Matt Whiley and reigning Australian Patrón Perfectionists winner Alex Boon are both keen to take on the entry challenge, hoping to inspire budding champions to apply. Whiley’s creation, ‘Six hours in Shanghai’, is his take on a spicy paloma using lacto-fermented grapefruit, grapefruit vinegar and grapefruit cordial.
Boon was inspired by European holidays, naming his paloma’ Afternoon in Florence’, which incorporates a homage to the ubiquitous summertime Italian aperitivo with bitter aperitif-style grapefruit cordial.
Earlier this year, Boon secured a podium finish at the 2023 Patrón Perfectionists Cocktail Competition, placing third overall and winning the second of three challenges set by the judges.
Boon’s winning cocktail was inspired by an Aztec love story predating Romeo and Juliet. He said at the time that the opportunity to compete at Hacienda Patrón was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“I am so incredibly thankful to Patrón for having me at the Hacienda. I met so many talented bartenders from across the world who each brought something unique to the Global Finals,” he said.
The Australian winner will get the chance to compete against the world’s finest at the global finals held in March 2024 at Familia Patrón in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico, along with the chance at $5000 in prize money.
Submit your entry via the entry portal www.academiapatron.com/patronperfectionists
Featured image: Matt Whiley from Re and reigning Australian Perfectionists winner Alex Boon with their Patrón Palomas
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