2025 AHA & Don Julio WA’s Best Cocktail CompetitionÂ
The search for WA’s Best Cocktail reached its exciting finale at Crown Perth on Tuesday 24 June 2025, with four outstanding venues going head-to-head in a live mix-off in front of a packed audience and expert judging panel.
THE WINNER
The winner is The Sandbar Scarborough Beach – Matcha Made In Heaven
Bar manager Marina Vidal impressed the judges with a vibrant cocktail crafted using Perth-distilled Spirit of Little Things gin, Midori, matcha, fresh lemon juice, sugar, and a silky foam finish, garnished with cucumber and edible flowers.
The Sandbar was awarded an exclusive RAC Arena corporate box experience for four, including premium food and beverages, valued at over $7,000—generously provided by RAC Arena and the AHA.
The finalists were:
Aloft Perth – Coco Loco
Lima Cantina, Leederville – Pisco Sour
Print Hall, Perth – The Nocturne
Finalists earned their places through a combination of public voting and mystery judge visits, before recreating their cocktails live on stage at the 2025 AHA Hospitality Expo.
About the competition
Each venue was invited to submit one cocktail that met specific criteria around ingredients, consistency, and responsible service. Cocktails could include any single spirit, combinations of spirits, or non-alcoholic spirit equivalents, with a maximum of two standard drinks per serve.
Cocktails were judged on:
Taste (30 points)
Aesthetic (20 points)
Authenticity and Creativity (20 points)
Narrative – the story behind the cocktail (15 points)
Promotion and Price (15 points)
Total score: 100 points
Thank you to all venues, voters, and attendees for supporting WA’s hospitality industry and showcasing local talent and creativity.