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Perth Now
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Scarborough bar wins prestigious best cocktail award
Four of Perth's top bartenders gathered at Crown Perth to shake until their arms were sore for a panel of industry experts who crowned The Sandbar Scarborough Beach the winner of WA's Best Cocktail Competition. Bartenders from Lima Cantina in Leederville, Aloft Perth's Lobby Lounge, Print Hall in Perth and The Sandbar Scarborough Beach battled for glory and bragging rights at the annual AHA Hospitality Expo mix-off on Tuesday. The Matcha Made in Heaven cocktail from The Sandbar Scarborough Beach is only the second drink to be crowned the AHA and Don Julio WA's Cocktail of the Year after the Père Julio from L'Chaim at The Old Synagogue in Fremantle took the top spot at the inaugural event last year. Cocktail creator Marina Vidal told The West Australian she was on top of the world after winning. 'I did not think that was going to happen,' she said. 'I am so proud of me.' The quartet of cocktails, ranging from Lima Cantina's classic Pisco Sour to The Sandbar's Matcha Made In Heaven, were selected via public votes and mystery judge visits. Voters were encouraged to consider taste, appearance, creativity, price and the story behind the drink. The other finalists were Print Hall's theatrical spin on an espresso martini, The Nocturne, and Aloft Perth's fluorescent blue, tropical-tasting Coco Loco. Each cocktail shaker had eight minutes to make four faultless drinks for the judges who each held a plethora of industry experience to rate. About a hundred people gathered around the stage salivating as the mixologists spent the last of their seconds placing dry fruits and edible flowers on top of their highly regarded recipes. Marina Vidal from The Sandbar Scarborough Beach. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian AHA WA boss Bradley Woods said the contest celebrated the art of cocktail making and gives venues a chance to shine. The winning venue received box tickets to see One Republic at RAC Arena in February valued at $4000.
Perth Now
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
‘Matcha Made in Heaven' claims to be WA's Best Cocktail
As a love letter to WA, Marina Vidal has created a cocktail she believes has 'never been seen before.' The Sandbar Scarborough Beach bar manager has crafted an eye-catching, unique, fresh and green cocktail for WA's Best Cocktail Competition — which is highlighting the talent and innovation of the WA bar and cocktail scene. 'Matcha Made in Heaven is a love letter of how I feel about Western Australia, the State's vibrant coast reminds me of the vibrant colour,' Ms Vidal said. The Sandbar is among 21 WA venues which have entered the competition, run by the Australian Hotels Association WA & Don Julio. AHA WA chief executive Bradley Woods said it was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate creativity and showcase the exceptional quality that WA venues deliver. Bar Manager Marina Vidal with her cocktail creation Matcha Made in Heaven at The Sandbar Scarborough Beach. Credit: Jackson Flindell / Jackson Flindell / The West Aust 'Western Australia's hospitality industry is home to some of the most creative cocktail makers in the country,' Mr Woods said. 'This competition is about more than just a great drink — it's about the artistry, passion and storytelling that bring each cocktail to life.' It's evident that Ms Vidal's Matcha Made in Heaven is full of that creativity. And she believes it's uniqueness and the fabulous flavour are why it should win. 'I feel like the Matcha and Midori is very trendy, and people love it. It's just different than everything else, I don't think I've seen anyone come up with that yet,' she said. To create the cocktail, the 30-year-old tested various recipes but ultimately decided to go with the first version she came up with while sitting on her couch. The fresh yet sweet flavours combine Matcha, Gin, Lemon, Sugar syrup, Midori, and foamer. Voting is open to the public until May 26. The top four finalists will be invited to compete in a live mix-off at the AHA Hospitality Expo at Crown Perth on 24 June 2025. Bar Manager Marina Vidal with her cocktail creation Matcha Made in Heaven at The Sandbar Scarborough Beach. Credit: Jackson Flindell / Jackson Flindell / The West Aust RECIPE: 30mL Matcha diluted with water (2g match for 500mL of water), 30mL Gin 30mL Lemon 30mL Sugar syrup 30mL Midori, 2 drops of foamer 1. Muddle 3 slices of cucumber in a shaker. 2. Add all the rest of the ingredients to the shaker, including a tiny bit of foamer. 3. Shake. 4. Fill shaker with ice and shake again. 5. Double strain into a tall glass with ice and a matcha rim. 6. Garnish with an edible flower.
