Alex Boon, co-owner of Pearl Diver Cocktails & Oysters in Melbourne is about to set off to Hacienda Patrón to participate in the global finals with Patrón announcing the panel of judges he will be out to impress as he competes against 15 other world best bartenders.

This year bartenders will participate in three difference challenges drawing from some elements of the global educational modules that form part of the program at Academia Patrón.

Challenge #1: Field to Flavour: Taking place against the agave farmers’ fields, the challenge brief will be shared with the global finalists on the very day, testing their creativity and their ability to thrive under pressure. Sandrae Lawrence, Giulia Cuccurullo and chef Ana Martorell will judge.

Challenge #2 – The Stories We Share – will ask participants to dig into the rich history of Mexico and find what resonates with them to create an inspiring Patrón Tequila cocktail encapsulating Mexican culture and based on Patrón Silver, Reposado or Añejo. Cocktail recipes and their stories will be prepared and submitted in advance and then presented in front of judges Ivy Mix, LP O’Brien and Harrison Kenney.

Challenge #3 -GRAND FINAL - Mi Mesa es Tu Mesa (my table is your table)

a take on the popular Spanish expression mi casa es tu casa). The entire panel of seven judges (see below), accompanied by Lauren Mote, Patrón Global Director of On-Trade Excellence and head of the Perfectionists program, will judge.

Championing hospitality and Mexico’s warmest sense of welcoming, this challenge will task bartenders with transforming the judges’ time at the table into a truly unforgettable experience. Bartenders will need to think about how they can stimulate and impress the senses, inside and outside the glass, leaving the judges with a lasting memory. Competitors will serve a neat tequila alongside a perfectly paired non-alcoholic side cocktail.

About the judges
  • Ivy Mix, co-owner of Leyenda bar & Fiasco! wine & spirits shop, co-founder of Speed Rack, and author of Spirits of Latin America, joining from Brooklyn, NY.
  • LP O’Brien, award-winning mixologist, winner of Netflix’s Drink Masters, CEO and founder LP Drinks and Focus on Health, joining from Washington DC.
  • Sandrae Lawrence, founder and editor of award-winning media outlet The Cocktail Lovers magazine and podcast, joining from London.
  • Tara Fougner, co-founder and CEO of Thirsty Media, award-winning journalist, community leader and content creator from the Bar World Top 100 Most Influential list, joining from Miami,FL.
  • Giulia Cuccurullo, 2020 PATRÓN Perfectionists Global Winner and Head Bartender of Artesian, joining from London.
  • Harrison Kenney, 2022 PATRÓN Perfectionists Global Winner and GM of Bar Planet, joining from Sydney.
  • Ana Martorell, educator, chef and founder of restaurants Aida and OXA Cocina única, joining from Mexico City.          

Lauren Mote, Global Director of On-Trade Excellence for PATRÓN tequila, commented: “Each one of the judges is a trail blazer in their industry, a vibrant personality whose passion and energy is an inspiration for hospitality professionals, food and cocktail lovers.

"Championing and inspiring people to follow their passions to be the best version of themselves is part of our brand DNA at Patrón, and I am confident that the drive, knowledge, and cultural diversity the judges are bringing to the table will ignite further motivation into the participating bartenders."

The Patrón Perfectionists global Final event will take place at Hacienda Patrón 24-30 March 2023. To stay up to date with the event and upcoming news, follow Academia Patrón - on Instagram and via the portal.

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