By Rebecca Harris
A Queensland bartender has taken out first place in the annual Suntory Cup, with her innovative cocktail, the ‘Apple Smash’.
Made from Mount Gay Eclipse, Licor 43, Lejay double crème de cassis and cloudy apple juice, Kristy Robertson’s cocktail beat over 480 other entries, earning her $1000 cash and a bar and distillery tour of Japan.
Second place went to Adam Paurini from The Croft Institute in Victoria and third place went to Jason Hess from Soave, Queensland.
The 22nd Suntory Cup, all cocktails are blind-tasted by a judging panel of their peers, focusing on the drink itself, judging the appearance, taste and aroma, rather than the bartender or their status.
Kristy Robinson (centre) celebrates with the Club Suntory team