2 June 2026 | Two regional venues and two metropolitan venues are in the running for the title of WA’s Best Cocktail after being named finalists in the 2026 AHA & Don Julio WA’s Best Cocktail competition.
Following a thirsty search powered by public votes and mystery judge visits, the Australian Hotels Association (WA) is proud to announce the four finalist venues, which will take to the stage at Crown Perth on Tuesday 30 June for a live mix-off during the AHA Hospitality Expo, where one venue will be crowned home to WA’s Best Cocktail.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said the competition highlights the creativity and spirit of WA’s hospitality venues while offering them a unique way to connect with their customers.
“The hunt for WA’s best cocktail brings out the passion, skill and flair of the state’s top hospitality venues, but only one can win the prestigious title,” Mr Woods said.
“At the upcoming mix-off, finalists will need to impress the judges not only with their technical skill and flawless execution but also with the taste of their cocktail and story behind it.”
The four finalist venues and their cocktails are:
- Cable Beach House, Broome – Outback Margarita
- Exchange Hotel, Pinjarra – Crimson Murray
- Lucky Chan’s, Northbridge – Con El Frutero
- The Sandbar Scarborough Beach – Don Ruby
On the day, finalists will recreate their signature cocktails live on stage and share the story behind them. Judging will be based on five key criteria: taste, visual appeal, creativity, narrative and promotion, with finalists scored out of 100.
Last year’s winner was The Sandbar Scarborough Beach with the cocktail Matcha Made In Heaven.
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INFO FOR EDITORS
The AHA Hospitality Expo is WA’s leading trade-only hospitality expo. It is staged over two days at Crown Perth and features more than 40 exhibitors showcasing food, beverage and services, as well as expert-led masterclasses and the finals of the WA’s Best Cocktail and Steak Sandwich competitions. If you would like to attend for media purposes, please contact Kim Forrester (details below) for accreditation and further information, including access to event schedules and interview opportunities.
Cocktail details
- Cable Beach House – Outback Margarita: Inspired by the landscape and native flavours of the Kimberley, this cocktail features Kimberley agave spirits infused with bush chilli, wild-harvested native lemon myrtle and native lemon grass, paired with Conejos Mezcal, fresh lime juice and homemade bush chilli syrup.
- Exchange Hotel – Crimson Murray: Featuring house-distilled shiraz gin and vodka, alongside vanilla and blueberry syrups, this vibrant fruit-forward cocktail blends local wine influence, craft distillation and balanced flavours.
- Lucky Chan’s – Con El Frutero: Inspired by the fruit vendors of Mexico’s Jalisco region, this bright tequila highball combines Don Julio Blanco with tangy green mango chamoy and vibrant rosella.
- Sandbar – Don Ruby: Capturing the soft romance of autumn by the coast, this cocktail combines Don Julio tequila, dry vermouth, rhubarb syrup and shrub for a balanced sweetness and tartness.
For more info, contact Kim Forrester, Media and Communications Executive, on 0411 777 593 or email mecom@ahawa.asn.au
The AHA(WA) is the authoritative voice for the hospitality and accommodation industry in Western Australia. Since 1892, we have protected and developed the interests of our members, through strong representation and the pursuit of industry excellence. Our mission is to ensure the hospitality industry remains a vital part of the Australian way of life and to amplify the voices of those we represent.
