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Applejack WorldPride Dragtails Competition
We held our first Applejack Dragtails Cocktail Competition for Sydney WorldPride 2023!
6 contestants put their skills to the test at The Butler, creating unique and delicious cocktails that showcased their inner Drag Queen, starring Absolut Vodka.
Hosted by Applejack’s very own Drag Queens Dominque Topp and Millenia Alcox, Applejack bartenders were tasked with creating their own unique cocktail with Absolut Vodka, showcasing their inner Drag Queen. One representative from each venue talked us through the ingredients and inspiration behind their drink, as they poured their cocktails for the judges.
Taste these in-house creations to celebrate WorldPride this February and March at each bartender’s respective venues, with $1 of every cocktail sold going to The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, Australia’s longest-running HIV charity! Find out the cocktails & where you can taste one down below.
Keep reading for a low-down on how the evening went, plus the 6 signature cocktails created for the competition.
Applejack staff and the 6 contestants gathered at The Butler Potts Point, with flowing Absolut Berry Vokarita’s and Mago Mule cocktails, the afternoon started with a chance for all staff to mingle, meet our Drag Queens and catch up with each other before the action really began. Each contestant was given 5 minutes to create their cocktail, explaining to the crowd the inspiration behind the cocktail, the meaning behind the name, and the steps they are taking to create the drink. The judges, our fabulous Drag Queens, then tasted the drinks judging the cocktails based on the story, flavour, appearance, and the presentation.
Congratulations to all our competitors & a special shout-out to our winner Chris Pennington from SoCal, and our runners up Payge Eminovski from Forrester’s, and Gaby Souza from The Butler. It was a fantastic afternoon, thanks to our judges, Absolut Vodka, and all who came and supported our Applejack cocktail creators!
Taste these in-house creations this February & March at each respective venue, with $1 of every cocktail sold going to The Bobby Goldsmith Foundation, providing treatment & support for those living with HIV in Australia.
Check out each contestant’s cocktail below
Chris Pennington - "The Marshtini" SoCal
Absolut Vodka infused with pea flowers & lemon myrtle, elderflower liquor, blackberry syrup, lemon juice, and orange blossom.
Inspired by gay activist Marsha P. Johnson, a prominent figure in the Stonewall uprising of 1969. As quoted by our Queens, Chris’s presentation was a “mic-drop” moment. With floral notes, and an eye-catching colour, it was a clear winner in the eyes of our judges.
Payge Eminovski - "Go Go Juice" Forrester's
Blue Absolut Vodka, lemon juice, apple, parsley, basil, a touch of sugar & a basil leaf garnish.
Payge’s inspiration for her creation was the ultimate alcoholic green machine, perfect after a big night out. Our Queens stated that it could “Take the place of a bloody Mary” and that her presentation “slaaaaayed”.
Gaby Souza - "Miss Peppermint" The Butler
Absolute Vodka, Crème de Menthe, sugar cane syrup & Pampelle.
Inspired by RuPaul Drag Queen Miss Peppermint, Gaby created the perfect ‘Instagramable’ cocktail. Light, colourful and refreshing it was a well deserved third place winner!
Harrison Saggers - "Scissoring Sisters" The Botanist Kirribilli
Coconut washed Absolut Vodka, Campari, strawberry syrup, lime cordial, pineapple shrub.
Harrison created a tropical delight, with our Queens loving every sip “Shit that’s fresh…”.
Chesters Travers - "Slap & Tingle" Bopp & Tone
Absolute Vodka, bitter orange, cranberry, lemon, sugar & fruit tingle rim.
Chester created a sugary treat, rightly name the “slap & tingle” the fruit tingle rim really gave our judges a delicious sugar hit.
Carlos Anderson - "Love Candy" RAFI
Absolut, Brookies macadamia liqueur, raspberry and lemon. The drink is carbonated & topped with a layer of white chocolate & milk warm foam.
This creamy cocktail was designed to challenge your senses with different textures and temperatures, giving you that nostalgic feeling of a raspberry spider.
Head in for some delicious Absolut cocktails & show your support for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and Sydney WorldPride 2023
Find out how we are celebrating WorldPride and explore our venues at the link below.
