Proud and energised, some of the world’s leading Australian bartenders – including some of Sydney’s most talented – have returned home and are offering world-class cocktails, presented at Tales of the Cocktail, as part of their menu.
Twenty bartenders from ten of Australia’s most renowned bars have returned to home soil after travelling halfway across the globe to represent Australian hospitality on the world stage at Tales of The Cocktail (TOTC) 2023. Hosted in New Orleans, TOTC is the world’s most prestigious mixology event, and an A-List team, including bartenders from Sydney’s RE, The Baxter Inn and Maybe Sammy’s took to the stage to show the world’s top industry professionals the incredible talent Australian bars have to offer.
From September 4 to October 2, Sydney-siders will be able to taste the world-class cocktails made from Glenfiddich whisky, Hendrick’s Gin, Monkey Shoulder whisky and more, at RE, The Baxter Inn, and Maybe Sammy’s as part of the bars’ limited-time TOTC menu.
William Grant & Sons who sponsored the A List team’s journey, were led by Glenfiddich and The Balvenie ambassador Ross Blainey and Hendricks Gin ambassador James Macrae. James said “Australia is home to some of the finest bar talent in the world; the only downside is that geographically we are so far away from everyone that we often get overlooked on the drink’s world stage. With our family of brands (Hendrick’s Gin, Glenfiddich and Monkey Shoulder to name a few) we wanted to showcase our country’s incredible talent at the biggest global cocktail event of the year. At TOTC, passion, creativity, and the art of mixing drinks come together and create phenomenal and unforgettable moments.” Ross added “Giving our Australian hospitality and bar scene a world stage is fantastic for our local industry and for tourism as we recover from the lows of COVID. We knew this year the world needed to experience how good the Australian bar scene is and if we can’t get the world to Australia we knew we needed to send our experts across the globe. After a game-changing event, we’re excited to offer Aussies the opportunity to experience the incredible cocktails showcased on the world stage by bars literally sitting on their doorstep.”
Award winning international figure of the bar world, owner of the zero waste cocktail bar RE and representee of Hendrick’s Gin on the global stage, Matt Whiley, added, “We have so many incredible ingredients and flavours in Australia that you just can’t get anywhere else. As well as showcasing these through our TOTC Hendrick’s Gin cocktails, we wanted to link our drinks culture with that of New Orleans thus creating two bespoke slushie style cocktails. Now that we’re back, our guests in Sydney get in part to go on that same journey: from Sydney, to New Orleans, and then back to Sydney.”
Australian Bar Manager of the year in 2022 (Australian Bartender Magazine Bar Awards), The Baxter Inn’s, Jay Cozma, represented the Sydney based world famous Whisky venue with Monkey Shoulder in the international arena and said “Representing The Baxter Inn and the nation at Tales Of The Cocktail was a remarkable experience. Having the opportunity to showcase our passion for Whisky and share renowned Baxter Inn favourites such as the Whisky & Apple with the world, was just brilliant. We were especially proud to represent our home soil and show attendees just how we’re leading the way in drinks, service, and fantastic over the bar memories. I can’t wait to bring the essence of the TOTC back to The Baxter Inn and offer the same world-class Monkey Shoulder cocktails to our awesome guests.”
Venue Manger from one of Australia’s most internationally awarded cocktail bars Maybe Sammy’s Sarah Proietti, stated, “It was an absolute honour to be part of this, and craft these unique cocktails for the Tales Of The Cocktail, getting the chance to show the US what Australia is all about. The experience was truly unforgettable. Creating our three Glenfiddich Single Malt cocktails was a thrilling challenge but nothing out of the ordinary for the team at Maybe Sammy. Now, with immense pride, we are bringing these three exquisite cocktails back to Australia, sharing the magic of our Flamingo Highball, Golden Valley and Slushy Tropical Coffee all containing the rich flavours of Glenfiddich with our beloved patrons.”
The A-List team were chosen from a range of bars in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia to showcase Australia’s undeniable skill in crafting cocktails and top-tier hospitality. Prominent bars including Maybe Sammy, and RE, all of which earned spots on this year’s The World’s Best Bar list, were part of the team in attendance with other outstanding establishments such as The Baxter Inn, Ramblin Rascals Tavern, Caretaker’s Cottage, Above Board, and Maybe Mae present.
Cocktail aficionados and spirit lovers will be able to taste a few of the bartender’s marvellous TOTC creations at a selection of resident bars from September 4 to October 2, experiencing the wonder of Australian mixology. See further information on the available offerings below.
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