Over the past few weeks, skilled bartenders across the country have come together in a celebration of creativity, craft, and connection – presenting their cocktail creations to an expert judging panel in the Marie Brizard Cocktail Competition.
Entrants were invited to create a cocktail using any Marie Brizard liqueur – whether it was a modern spritz, a reimagined classic like the Charlie Chaplin or something entirely original that truly championed the flavour of the liqueur.
Initial submissions were assessed on appeal, appearance, inspiration, and originality. From there, a shortlist was selected and experienced in person by the judges, who travelled across the country to meet the bartenders and taste their drinks.
The judges said the standard of entries this year was exceptional. The quality of the drinks, the energy behind each story, and the level of effort that went into every submission was described as making this year a truly memorable competition.
The four bartenders moving through to the final of the competition are:
- Jay Cozma from Old Love’s, Sydney with his cocktail ‘Lever L’ancre’, showcasing Marie Brizard Falernum and Anisette, combined with rum, soursop, lime, and saline – representing Group 1: QLD, NSW, and ACT.
- Tibo Menut from Eau De Vie, Melbourne with ‘Café des bois’, incorporating Marie Brizard Cassis with rye whiskey, coffee, sultana, and raspberry – representing Group 2: VIC.
- Hannah Henkelmann-Rae from Nola, Adelaide with ‘Peach Fuzz’, highlighting Marie Brizard Peach, burrata, strawberry, lemon, and basil – representing Group 3: TAS, SA, and NT.
- Charlotte MacMaster from Foxtrot Unicorn, Perth with ‘Stone & Oak’, showcasing the versatility of Marie Brizard Apry alongside bourbon whiskey, lime, orgeat and bitters – representing Group 4: WA.
The competition final will take place in Brisbane on 17 June at The Prince Consort Hotel in Fortitude Valley.