By Rebecca Harris
One of Melbourne’s top bartenders won the Suntory Cup held in Brisbane last week, earning herself a European bar and distillery holiday and $1000 cash.
Misty Hoeta of Golden Monkey impressed the judges with her ‘Golden Flip’, a cocktail comprised of Matusalem Gran Reserva, Frangelico, smooth peanut butter, Peychauds Bitters, Vanilla Monin and an egg.
“I am really proud to have been involved with such an amazing competition. I loved how everyone worked so well together and the support from everyone was just something else,” Hoeta said.
Now in its 20th year, the 2008 Suntory Cup attracted more than 280 entries from across Australia.
Bartenders were required to create a cocktail using a minimum of 45ml of a spirit or liqueur from the Suntory portfolio.
Entries were submitted ‘blind’, whereby the judges did not know who had submitted which drink — a policy that encouraged less experienced bartenders to enter.
“I want everyone I know to be a part of the Suntory Cup. It is a competition not judged on who you are and who you know,” Hoeta said. “It is the fairest competition I have ever had the pleasure of being part of.”
Christopher Denman from Zuri in Brisbane came second with his ‘Wieso Nicht?’ (Why Not?) and Michael Dan Vardi from the Sugar Lounge at Henry Afrika’s in Sydney came third.