Applejack Mardi Gras Cocktail Competition 2026

Applejack Kicked Off The 2026 Mardi Gras Celebrations With An Epic Cocktail Competition

7 contestants put their skills to the test at Juanita’s Bar at The Butler, creating unique Archie Rose cocktails that fit the Mardi Gras theme ‘Ecstatica’.

As proud partners of the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2026, we kicked off celebrations with our biggest cocktail competition yet. Seven contestants from across our venues created unique cocktails featuring Archie Rose spirits. Each representative showcased their creation to our judges, sharing the inspiration and ingredients behind their drink.

Applejack staff from all venues gathered in support of the event. Guests were treated to a selection of snacks by our very own Chef Amber Doig, including house-made chorizo and tortilla chips, served alongside a range of salsas and guacamole. Archie Rose cocktails and gin & tonics were the perfect accompaniment to the evening.

Our fabulous host, Drag Queen Jacqui St.Hyde brought her signature sass and humour as she introduced each competitor and guided us through the evening. Each contestant had six minutes to craft and present their cocktail, sharing their creation process to the audience.

Jacqui and our judges then evaluated each cocktail based on its story, flavour, appearance, and presentation. Those placing second and third took home a $100 Applejack voucher and earned a spot on our menus with their own Archie Rose signature cocktail throughout the 2026 Mardi Gras season.

For the winner we went one step further, with their cocktail featured on the menu, an Archie Rose distillery experience for two, a blending class, and a bottle of Archie Rose single malt whisky.

Congratulations to all our competitors and a special shout-out to our winner Laura Veal from Opera Bar, and our runners up James Russell, also from Opera Bar, and Lewis Howard from RAFI North Sydney. It was a fantastic evening, thanks to our judges, Archie Rose, and all who came and supported our Applejack cocktail creators!

Taste these creations this February and March at each Applejack venue, with $1 from every cocktail sold going to Qtopia Sydney, the world’s largest centre for queer history and culture.