Inaugural Plantation Rum Cup goes to NZ team

Teresa Cocktail Bar from Napier, New Zealand won the inaugural Plantation Cup for its cocktail, The Boccioni’s Punch’.

Bartenders from across the country gathered at Sydney's Grain Bar last night where seven teams from Australia and New Zealand competed in the final.

Judges said that the cocktail delivered by Teresa Cocktail Bar was the encapsulation of everything the competition set out to achieve by welcoming the judges into their venue, hosting and presenting their cocktail the Teresa Bar way. The judges noted their concept, techniques and cohesive team presentation was evident as it showcased their Plantation Rum cocktail ‘The Boccioni’s Punch’ made with Plantation Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple Rum enhanced by a touch of yuzu vinegar and garnished with a coffee and shiitake cloud.

Judges said, "The Teresa Cocktail Bar illustrated how a venue team can deliver hospitality in its finest, in any setting. "

The finalists from Australia and New Zealand were Santé Cocktail Bar, 18th Amendment, Mr. Brightside Rooftop Bar, The Howling Owl, Teresa Cocktail Bar, Pineapple on Parnell and The Lobo.

All teams put on a great show for attendees who enjoyed their cocktails and service. The competitors skills and enthusiasm made judging a tough job for Charlie Ainsbury, Sam Bygrave and Alissa Gabriel but it was Andrea Marseglia, Josh Loman and Sara Mazzucco of Teresa Cocktail Bar from Napier, New Zealand who took out the win.

The winning team proudly walked away last night with the World’s first Plantation Rum Cup trophy and a team trip to Barbados to visit the West Indies Rum Distillery.

Guests were treated to cocktail samples and voted for the People’s Choice Award which went to Gorge Camorra and Tim Arnott from 18th Amendment in Geelong for their cocktail ‘Breakfast with Pierre’.