By Suzan Ryan, editor bars&clubs
The state final of the annual Mix It To Fix It ladies-only cocktail charity event, which raises funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, was held yesterday at The Loft, Darling Harbour, with Sydney’s Grace West of Pocket Bar securing the title and more than $10,000 raised for chairty.
The four-year-old event, sponsored by Bacardi Lion, supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation by holding an all-female cocktail competition charity event to raise awareness and funds into breast cancer research.
To date Mix It To Fix It has raised more than $100,000.00 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, with last year’s event in NSW raising $8000.
Yesterday’s final attracted more than 150 guests, all of whom sampled the cocktails created by the 12 contestants specifically for the event, with points from the judging panel and public input taken into account for final scoring.
Contestants had six minutes to create their cocktail for consideration by guests and the judging panel – which consisted of: Barb Dolan, National Breast Cancer Foundation Ambassador; Natalie Ng, 2013 winner of Sydney’s Sweet and Chili Group, and Gourmantic editor, Corinne Mossatti.
Contestants included: Mischa Bonova, Rockpool; Michelle Carter, The Loft; Paige Aubort, The Lobo Plantation; Victoria Chamron, Café Del Mar; Renata Dare, Hard Rock Café; Isabelle Comber, The Rook; Audrey Hands, The Rook; Stephanie Haile, Mojo Record Bar; Alyce Murphy, Cargo Bar; Grace West, Pocket Bar; Samantha Cresell, The Loft; Genevieve Dwyer, The Animal.
Drinks were assessed on flavour, presentation and the inspiration behind their creation.
Mix It To Fix It also featured four pop-up bars, a fairy floss machine and silent auction – all of which contribute to the total funds raised for the charity.
Photograph: Ian Barnes Photography