Alex Boon from Pearl Diver Cocktails & Oysters in Melbourne has been announced as the winner of this year’s Patrón Perfectionists Australian cocktail competition.
Boon went head-to-head with nine other finalists in two challenges that took place over two days at The Eveleigh in Sydney.
The Hometown Hero entry challenge required contestants to develop a cocktail that highlighted their local culture using Patrón Silver tequila and pantry ingredients.
Boon’s creation, called Frankie, took inspiration from Uncle Toby’s oats and saw tequila, sherry, honey, horchata, sea salt and ice combined in a milkshake maker before being strained into a highball class with cubed ice.
The bartender finished off the drink with a garnish of Aleppo pepper-infused dark chocolate.
The My Masterpiece round saw Boon submit mango-centric creation the 60 Hands Highball, which comprised Patrón Silver tequila, mango liqour, verjuice, lacto-fermented mango syrup and clarified mango juice.
The mixture was carbonated before being served over ice and garnished with mango three ways.
Contestants were assessed by the judging panel, which included 2019 winner Anneliese Grazioli, reigning winner Harrison Kenney, global winner and Patrón Tequila Executive Manager Joey Chisholm and Boothby Editor Sam Bygrave.
“What an amazing national final, congratulations to all of our top 10, but as always there can only be one winner,” says Chisholm.
“Alex’s presentation skills and overall drink concept for both challenges is what got them over the line in what was a very tight final.”
Boon will now go on to compete at the grand final round held in Mexico in March next year against bartenders from 18 countries.