After a nationwide search, Avila Roberts from Three Horses in Melbourne has been crowned the 2026 winner of the Marie
Brizard Cocktail Competition.
Roberts will go on to represent Australia on the global stage at the Marie Brizard Bartenders Society Global Final in Bordeaux later this year.
Skilled bartenders from across the country showcased their talent, flavour mastery and storytelling in the competition, which celebrated creativity, craft, and connection.
Roberts edged out the other competitors with her lively, knowledgeable and personal performance on stage and perfectly balanced cocktail that left the judges keen to continue sipping.
Entrants were invited to design a cocktail featuring any Marie Brizard liqueur – from fresh spritz twists, to bold reimaginings of the classics – with the goal of truly championing the flavour of their chosen Marie Brizard liqueur.
Initial submissions were judged on appeal, appearance, inspiration, and originality. Twenty eight shortlisted entries were then tasted in person by judges, who travelled across Australia to meet the bartenders and experience the drinks first hand.
Roberts’ cocktail Fua Manaia was inspired by the fruits of Samoa and the wider Pacific Islands. The cocktail showcased Marie Brizard Fruit De la Passion, combined with coconut, lime and hibiscus.
Dan Ben Zur from Black Pearl in Melbourne created Elimelech Alexander, inspired by Israeli-Jewish cuisine and highlighting Marie Brizard Vanille de Madagascar, combined with cognac, pistachio, tahini and honey.
Stephanie Jacobs from Queensland’s Antico Bar created Gâterie Médicamenteuse, inspired by 18th Century French herbalism. The cocktail showcased the versatility of Marie Brizard Triple Sec alongside calvados, cumin, pickle and honey.
Tom Cavanagh from Garçon Bleu in South Australia created Kronos using French-Caribbean flavours and made with Marie Brizard’s Anisette and Falernum blended with rum, almond and passionfruit.
The final showdown took place at NOLA in Adelaide on 15 June during Bartender’s Weekender, where the finalists went head-to-head in front of a live audience and judging panel including industry legends Charlie Hunter, Harrison Kenney and Molly Nicholas. who were joined by Nicolas Zozoula – Asia Pacific Regional Manager for Marie Brizard.