Amaro Montenegro’s Vero Bartender competition has named its top 10 finalists from Australia, who will battle it out next month to win a trip to Milan and compete in the global final.
Now in its second year, the competition is currently selecting local finalists from all around the world, looking for the most unique and inventive Amaro-based cocktails.
Australia’s finalists are from some of the country’s most iconic bars in Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart, showcasing some of the amazing creativity we have to offer.
The Australian finalists are:
- Adam Lau from Grain Bar at Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney
- Allessandro Nardini from Beneath Driver Lane, Melbourne
- Claudio Bedini from Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, Sydney
- Dave Mcavoy from Jungle Boy, Melbourne
- Eros Pedone from Maybe Frank, Sydney
- Etien Celzner from The Den, Hobart
- Filippo Sanchi from Above Board, Melbourne
- Jake Crawford from Boilermaker House, Melbourne
- Maurizio Furiani from Matteo Downtown, Sydney
- Reuben Beasley-Palmer from Black Pearl, Melbourne
These top 10 were selected by a panel of industry experts after submitting their recipe for a ‘sharing’ cocktail with at least three servings. The bartenders were judged on the taste and balance of the drink, as well as their overall creativity and use of the Amaro Montenegro product.
When concocting the competition drink, bartenders needed to think outside the box to create a unique cocktail that features an edible garnish, interesting name, great flavours and innovative presentation.
What does it take to make the cut? Finalist Dave Mcavoy shared his tiki-inspired entry called “Going on a blender” on his Instagram (@bigmacsmallmouth):
- Amaro Montenegro
- Coconut aged rum
- Smoked pineapple syrup
- Seared trash tiki citrus stock
- Coco Rèal
“Combine all ingredients in a blender with cubed and crushed iced, serve in blender with left over smoked pineapple, rum aged coconut flesh, and umbrella because tiki.”
Meanwhile, finalist Eros Pedone describes his cocktail recipe on his Instagram (@eros_pedone) as “a work of art”, creatively composing his entry’s photo as if it were a painting.
The Australian finalists will battle it out in the national final, which takes place at The George on Collins in Melbourne on Tuesday, 24 September. The winner will then travel to Milan in November to compete for The Vero Bartender international title.
