The 2023 Australasian Hospitality and Gaming Expo, presented by TAB, MAX & SKY, saw a lot of firsts – among them, our first live cocktail competition. Held in partnership with Diageo on day two of the expo, the competition gave three talented mixologists the chance to go head-to-head for some amazing prizes.
Here’s what happened…
First Prize: Melissa Blanco
Callum from Wynnum Manly Leagues Club took home a $2000 travel voucher for his Melissa Blanco cocktail (Portugal, here he comes!).
Ingredients
- 45ml Don Julio blanco
- 30ml cream of coconut
- 45ml fresh lime juice
- 30ml fresh passion fruit extract
- 10ml vanilla extract
Method
- Shake double strain all ingredients into cocktail coupe.
- Garnish with passion fruit float and burnt cinnamon stick.
About
“Melissa Blanco, Melissa being a passion fruit farm located in Cooloolabin. I wanted to highlight passion fruit farming in Queensland by developing a taste and perfect flavour paring to do justice to Queensland’s beautiful fresh produce. A true testament to our hard-working farmers demonstrating the Queensland spirit.”
– Callum
Second Prize: Strawberry Queen
Imogen from Broncos Leagues Club scored a $500 travel voucher with her creation, the Strawberry Cream.
Ingredients
- 30ml Don Julio Blanco Tequila
- 30ml Baileys
- 15ml Coconut Syrup
- 10ml Coconut Water
- Strawberries, Whipped Cream, Sprinkles & Strawberry Syrup (to garnish)
Method
- Put a small amount of strawberry syrup on a plate and dip the glass into the plate, then dip into the sprinkles.
- In a blender, add 1 cup of ice, Don Julio Blanco, Baileys Strawberries and Cream, Coconut Syrup and Coconut Water. Blitz in blender 2-3 times.
- Pour into glass and top with Whipped Cream, Strawberries and Sprinkles.
Third Prize: The Sunshine State
Emma from Broncos Leagues Club won the entire Don Julio range with her drink, The Sunshine State.
Ingredients
- 30ml Don Julio Blanco Tequila
- 30ml pink grapefruit cordial
- 60 ml pineapple juice
- ½ of a fresh lime
- A slice of pineapple
Method
- In a Boston shaker, muddle 3 slices of lime
- Add 30 ml of pink grapefruit cordial, 30 ml of Don Julio Blanco tequila and 60 ml of pineapple juice.
- Add a large scoop of ice.
- Shake and then shake again.
- Single strain into a short glass and serve with a slice of lime and a slice of pineapple.