Storm Evans of Cantina OK!, Sydney, is the winner of the 2023 PATRÓN Perfectionists Australian Cocktail Competition.

Finalists competed in two challenges over two days in Sydney, culminating in a celebration and winner’s announcement party that took place at the award-winning bar El Primo Sanchez.

Storm’s delicious cocktails, Prima and Palomè, were presented alongside the creations of nine other competitors from across Australia. 

Benjamin Thomson from The Rechabite in Perth

Finn Sugrue from Nectar in Geelong

Jarah Retana from El Primo Sanchez in Sydney

Kayla Saito from the Mulberry Group (Hazel, Dessous, La Cantina, Common Ground Project, Liminal) in Melbourne

Leah Dunnigan from Bar Planet in Sydney

Martin McConnell from Frog's Hollow Saloon in Brisbane

Nick Corletto from Maybe Mae in Adelaide

Samuel Cocks from RE Bar in Sydney

Storm Evans from Cantina OK! in Sydney

Tom Opie from The Waratah in Sydney

The entry challenge, Paint the World PATRÓN Paloma, asked bartenders to create a PATRÓN Paloma, 'worthy of their favourite global city and of PATRÓN Tequila’s unwavering commitment to the highest quality ingredients'. Featuring PATRÓN Reposado, soda water, a creative cordial flavoured as the bartender likes, grapefruit in some form, and inspired by their city of choice.  Storm created Palomè inspired by the wonderful city of Heroica Veracruz, the citrus port of Mexico.

For the final judging, competitors then put a group serve twist on their entry challenge cocktail. Taking the PATRÓN Paloma they previously created as a canvas, the ten finalists were asked to create a serve ritual for two people that celebrates the essence of the Paloma in a shared serve. 

The second final round that competitors completed was the Margarita De Mexico, which resulted in spectacular cocktails being presented to our esteemed judges - Alex Boon, Millie Tang, Sam Bygrave and Loy Catada. Taking a classic PATRÓN Margarita as their base, the bartenders were asked to celebrate Mexico by integrating a Mexican ingredient, creating a new iteration of this much-loved cocktail. 

Storm masterfully presented his cocktail Prima showcasing Jicama Respados.

Andrew Woods, PATRÓN Tequila's senior commercial execution manager, said, “What an amazing two days and national final. Congratulations to all of our top 10, but as always, there can only be one winner! Storm’s presentation skills, enthusiasm and overall drink concept for both challenges are what got him over the line in what was a very tight final. I can’t wait for Storm to experience a trip of a lifetime to Mexico for the Global finals in 2024 and hopefully deliver a win for Australia!”

Storm’s winning cocktails.

Palomè Paloma

45mL PATRÓN Reposado

30mL Salmiana Spiked Grapefruit Cordial

60mL Soda

Garnish: Jellied Ruby Grapefruit Wedge & Whole Mandarin Sherbet

Prima Margarita

50mL PATRÓN Blanco

30mL Lime Juice

15mL Achiote Elote Syrup

Garnish: Jicama Respados (Shaved Ice)

The Australian winner had their name carved into the Perfectionists champions trophy, received $5000, and a trip to Hacienda PATRÓN in 2024 for a week with their fellow global finalists, a surprise panel of global mentors, judges, and the Familia PATRÓN in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico.

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