Storm Evans of Cantina OK!, Sydney, is the winner of the 2023 PATRÓN Perfectionists Australian Cocktail Competition.
Finalists competed in two challenges over two days in Sydney, culminating in a celebration and winner’s announcement party that took place at the award-winning bar El Primo Sanchez.
Storm’s delicious cocktails, Prima and Palomè, were presented alongside the creations of nine other competitors from across Australia.
Benjamin Thomson from The Rechabite in Perth
Finn Sugrue from Nectar in Geelong
Jarah Retana from El Primo Sanchez in Sydney
Kayla Saito from the Mulberry Group (Hazel, Dessous, La Cantina, Common Ground Project, Liminal) in Melbourne
Leah Dunnigan from Bar Planet in Sydney
Martin McConnell from Frog’s Hollow Saloon in Brisbane
Nick Corletto from Maybe Mae in Adelaide
Samuel Cocks from RE Bar in Sydney
Storm Evans from Cantina OK! in Sydney
Tom Opie from The Waratah in Sydney
The entry challenge, Paint the World PATRÓN Paloma, asked bartenders to create a PATRÓN Paloma, ‘worthy of their favourite global city and of PATRÓN Tequila’s unwavering commitment to the highest quality ingredients’. Featuring PATRÓN Reposado, soda water, a creative cordial flavoured as the bartender likes, grapefruit in some form, and inspired by their city of choice. Storm created Palomè inspired by the wonderful city of Heroica Veracruz, the citrus port of Mexico.
For the final judging, competitors then put a group serve twist on their entry challenge cocktail. Taking the PATRÓN Paloma they previously created as a canvas, the ten finalists were asked to create a serve ritual for two people that celebrates the essence of the Paloma in a shared serve.
The second final round that competitors completed was the Margarita De Mexico, which resulted in spectacular cocktails being presented to our esteemed judges – Alex Boon, Millie Tang, Sam Bygrave and Loy Catada. Taking a classic PATRÓN Margarita as their base, the bartenders were asked to celebrate Mexico by integrating a Mexican ingredient, creating a new iteration of this much-loved cocktail.
Storm masterfully presented his cocktail Prima showcasing Jicama Respados.
Andrew Woods, PATRÓN Tequila’s senior commercial execution manager, said, “What an amazing two days and national final. Congratulations to all of our top 10, but as always, there can only be one winner! Storm’s presentation skills, enthusiasm and overall drink concept for both challenges are what got him over the line in what was a very tight final. 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!”
Storm’s winning cocktails.
Palomè Paloma
45mL PATRÓN Reposado
30mL Salmiana Spiked Grapefruit Cordial
60mL Soda
Garnish: Jellied Ruby Grapefruit Wedge & Whole Mandarin Sherbet
Prima Margarita
50mL PATRÓN Blanco
30mL Lime Juice
15mL Achiote Elote Syrup
Garnish: Jicama Respados (Shaved Ice)
The Australian winner had their name carved into the Perfectionists champions trophy, received $5000, and a trip to Hacienda PATRÓN in 2024 for a week with their fellow global finalists, a surprise panel of global mentors, judges, and the Familia PATRÓN in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico.
