Harrison Kenney from Cantina OK! has been crowned the winner of the 2020/21 Patrón Perfectionists Cocktail Competition Australia final. Kenney will join the other global finalists hailing from 22 countries across the world to represent Australia in the Global Final taking place at Hacienda Patrón, Mexico, in January 2022.

This year’s edition has seen a digital execution, providing contestants with a global online stage to showcase their skills and passion. Following a consumer voting stage to select their favourite creations among the top 30, 10 bartenders were shortlisted to virtually compete in the national final, which was aired on the PATRÓN Perfectionists global Facebook page.

Kenney (above) and his fellow finalists, Sion Roberts (Dead Ringer), Pauric Kennedy (Barangaroo House), Corina Retter (Capitano), Grace Rawlins (Memphis Slim’s), Pravin Phuyal (Hot Tamale), Niccolo Maffezzoni (The Trader Bar), Aiden Rodriquez (Eau de Vie), Rebecca Bayley (Cielo Rooftop), Daniella Darakis (The Gresham) all competed (virtually) in front of an esteemed panel of judges made up of top industry experts.

Kenny’s cocktail TEAL saw him crowned Australia’s winner of the Patrón Perfectionists Cocktail Competition.

“It’s a privilege to win this prestigious award for a cocktail that I have created, and now to represent Australia, a country that has one of the greatest bar scenes in the world at the Global Final, is a dream come true,” he said. “TEAL is a celebration of the green top notes of Patrón Silver, reminiscent of fresh cut grass, lime zest and eucalyptus. It’s a combination of unexpected ingredients used in a way that is inspired and experience forward. All green ingredients and 100% Blue Agave makes TEAL.”

Australians can try TEAL at Cantina OK! in Sydney when COVID-19 restriction allow, or you can order the Patrón Perfectionists Masterclass Bundle at Hairy Dog to enjoy instantly at home and join a special LIVE cocktail masterclass on Friday, October 15 via Facebook Live.

Bacardi-Martini Australia Brand Ambassador and 2018 Patrón Perfectionists finalist, Joseph Chisholm said: “This year had many curve balls and speedbumps throughout this competition, and had a slightly different feel, with competitors asked to use household ingredients. However, we (the competitors) stayed true to our values and managed to pull off a very successful competition. To all 138 entrants I want to say a massive thank you for being a part of this competition and I hope I see many of you competing again next year!

“We judged each cocktail on taste, appearance, inspiration, and originality. Our four judges collectively agreed Harrison Kenney had the best presentation with TEAL and the cocktail felt truly authentic to him, welcoming others to enjoy it.”

Matthew Sykes, Vice President, Global Commercial Execution for PATRÓN and founder of the PATRÓN Perfectionists Cocktail Competition, said: “Every year we are amazed at the creativity that shines through the competition, but what has particularly struck us on this occasion is the participants’ ability to embrace change.

“The new competition format has asked bartenders to use a simplified list of accessible ingredients to allow replicability and engagement for consumers globally. The result is an extra-ordinary collection of PATRÓN creations and stories that have been shared with passion, taking us all on an inspiring journey, at home or at the bar.

“Congratulations to all the brilliant contestants and good luck to Harrison Kenney for the Global Final at Hacienda Patrón, I have no doubt that he will do Australia proud in Mexico with a stellar performance.”

TEAL

In a shaker combine:

3 x 50 cent size pieces of fresh Kiwifruit

30ml Patrón Silver

10ml Fino Sherry

20ml fresh pressed lime juice

20ml freshly juiced celery

15ml simple syrup

METHOD: Shake and fine strain, add 3-5 drops of Vanilla EVOO to finish.