Sydney bartender named the world's best in Mexico

Harrison Kenney of Cantina OK!, Sydney, has been crowned winner at the 2022 Patrón Perfectionists Cocktail Competition. His outstanding cocktail, Teal, was presented alongside the creations of 14 other competitors hailing from the four corners of the world. 

Mr Kenney said: “It’s an overwhelming feeling to be receiving this title among a crowd of such incredible bartenders and humans. I feel honoured to be here at Hacienda Patrón where I have had the chance to meet inspiring mentors and make lifelong friends.

"The Patrón Perfectionists has truly been the best journey and I cannot wait to extend it into the year to come by embracing new experiences and learnings with the Familia Patrón.”

The final was hosted following a week in Mexico where finalists, brand ambassadors and bartenders gathered for the first time in three years to connect and immerse themselves into the Tequila making culture. 

The final competition was hosted at Patrón's home - Hacienda Patrón, in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco - where competitors were challenged to craft a cocktail using a prescribed list of ingredients.

The finalists competed in front of an esteemed panel of judges, including: 

• David Rodriguez, Patrón Master Distiller
• Giulia Cuccurullo, Head Bartender at Artesian, London, and Patrón Perfectionists 2020 Global Winner
• Adam Teeter, Co-Founder and CEO of VinePair
• Anny Barrera, Head Bartender at Semillón, San José del Cabo, Mexico.

Lauren Mote, Global Manager of Program Excellence for Patrón Tequila said: "Once again, the Patrón Perfectionists Program is a testament to how a cocktail competition is fun and helps develop each bartender's skillset beyond the glass.

"New, talented bartenders have joined the Familia Patrón - becoming part of a global community whose excellence and passion continue to drive tequila culture worldwide. We are extremely proud of all the Patrón Perfectionists participants, and our warmest congratulations go to the global winner Harrison Kenney from Australia! Harrison dazzled the crowd and judges with his incredible storytelling, comedic flair and delicious cocktails.”

Teal

• 40ml Patrón Silver
• 10ml Fino Sherry
• 15ml Simple Syrup (1:1 water to sugar)
• 20ml Fresh Pressed Lime Juice
• 20ml Fresh Pressed Celery Juice
• 15ml Fresh Pressed Kiwifruit Juice
•  2 drops Vanilla Olive Oil*

*To make the Vanilla Olive Oil - Slice open a vanilla pod, scrape the seeds into 100ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil, shake and disperse the seeds throughout the oil. Ready to use straight away.

Method

In a shaker tin add all ingredients except the Vanilla Olive Oil, shake and fine strain into a chilled Coupe glass and garnish with a couple of drops of the Vanilla Olive Oil.