Storm Evans of Sydney’s Cantina OK! has been announced as the winner of the 2023 Patrón Perfectionists Australian Cocktail Competition.
Evans was revealed as the winner last night at Sydney’s El Primo Sanchez after two days of competing in challenges alongside nine other drink specialists from across the country.
The nine other finalists were: The Rechabite’s Benjamin Thomson; Nectar’s Finn Sugrue; El Primo Sanchez’s Jarah Retana; The Mulberry Group’s Kayla Saito; Bar Planet’s Leah Dunnigan; Frog Hollow Saloon’s Martin McConnell; Maybe Mae’s Nick Corletto; Re-‘s Samuel Cocks; and The Waratah’s Tom Opie.
The first finals challenge saw competitors put a group serve twist on their entry challenge paloma cocktails.
The second finals challenge saw competitors tasked with creating a new iteration of the classic Patrón Margarita to serve up to judges Alex Boon, Millie Tang, Sam Bygrave, and Loy Catada.
Storm’s winning creations were a Palomè Paloma inspired by the city of Heroica Veracruz and a Prima Margarita championing Jicama Respados.
As winner, Storm will have his name carved on the Perfectionists trophy and will win $5000.
Storm will also travel to Hacienda Patrón next year for a week-long program alongside other global winners, mentors and judges, and will also compete to take out the international title.
“Storm’s presentation skills, enthusiasm and overall drink concept for both challenges is what got him over the line in what was a very tight final,” says Patrón Tequila’s Andrew Woods.
“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!”