PROMPERÚ - the Commission for the Promotion of Peruvian Exports and Tourism - has announced the winners of their Pisco Aperitivo Cocktail Competition in celebration of Pisco, the spirit of Peru.
This year, the bartenders from both nations were challenged to craft an aperitivo-style cocktail using Pisco, the spirit of Peru, as the base ingredient. The two winning cocktails were complex, creative and truly captured the essence of aperitivo while highlighting the versatility of the Peruvian spirit. The competition was judged based on taste, style, creativity and inspirational use of the aperitivo theme.
The top prize in Australia went to Brett Nebauer from Onzieme Restaurant in Canberra, for his Agua Bendita cocktail, with Bar Magda’s Matt Venables in Auckland, taking the trophy for New Zealand with his Master's Muse creation.
This is the first time the competition was open to bartenders in New Zealand, with entries judged by respected Australian drinks journalist Mike Bennie alongside bartender and co-founder of Continental Bar & Deli Michael Nicolian.
"The calibre of entries was seriously high this year. So many unexpected interpretations of what makes a good Aperitivo-style drink, it was a huge effort for us to select the finalists and ultimately the winners. In the end, the cocktails that put Pisco front and centre while surprising us with interesting and complex flavour combinations shone through,” Pisco Aperitivo judge Mike Bennie said.
Both winners have been awarded a cash prize of AUD$1,500 as well as a batch of premium Pisco, the spirit of Peru.
Judges also selected a second-place winner from each country, who both received an award of AUD$500 and a batch of premium Pisco to enjoy. Rachel Mynczywor from Rude Boy in Hobart was awarded the Australia runner-up prize for her High Noon cocktail, with PJ Renaud from Parasol & Swing in Auckland taking the second place prize for New Zealand for his Cola Agria cocktail.
PROMPERÚ will release the recipes to the finalist cocktails to craft these delicious drinks from home on its website at https://www.peruaustraliatrade.com/.
