A cocktail described as a “love letter to Western Australia” has taken out the title of 2025 AHA & Don Julio WA’s Best Cocktail at a live mix-off between the state’s top hospitality venues.
The Australian Hotels Association (WA) named Matcha Made in Heaven by The Sandbar Scarborough Beach as this year’s winner, following a high-energy showdown.
In front of a packed crowd of peers, bar manager Marina Vidal created the vibrant, handcrafted cocktail using Perth-distilled Spirit of Little Things gin, Midori, matcha, fresh lemon juice and sugar, finished with silky foam, cucumber and a floral garnish.
Ms Vidal said the drink was inspired by coastal living, fresh produce and WA’s natural beauty, and was designed to reflect the relaxed elegance of The Sandbar’s beachside setting.
Now in its third year, the AHA & Don Julio WA’s Best Cocktail competition recognises venues delivering exceptional cocktail experiences that combine flavour, presentation and originality.
The three other finalists contesting the title were Aloft Perth (Coco Loco), Lima Cantina, Leederville (Pisco Sour) and Print Hall, Perth (The Nocturne).
The judging panel – Angela Beechey (AHA), Caroline Meagher (Diageo), James Connolly (industry leader), and Melissa Worthington (Buy West Eat Best) – evaluated cocktails based key criteria: taste, visual appeal, creativity, narrative, and promotion.
AHA(WA) CEO Bradley Woods said the competition shines a light on the creativity and professionalism within WA’s licensed hospitality sector.
“This competition highlights the Western Australia venues that are setting the standard in cocktail culture,” Mr Woods said.
“Each of the four cocktails demonstrated originality, precision and a clear connection to the venue’s brand and customer experience, but it was The Sandbar’s vibrant cocktail that truly captivated the judges with a flawless balance of creativity, taste and execution.”
