Hospitality students captivated by Australian Bartender of the Year
Nick Tesar, the 2022 Diageo World Class Australian Bartender of the Year, captivated hospitality students during his mixology masterclass where he used spirits crafted by Marionette Liqueurs from rare Australian botanicals.
The Diageo World Class Australian Bartender of the Year competition is designed for mixologists to showcase their outstanding skills to create unforgettable drinking experiences. As well as bartending at Bar Liberty, one of Melbourne's leading cocktail bars, Nick is part of the team behind Marionette Liqueurs. During the masterclass, Nick prepared one of Marionette's signature cocktails, Bramble, using 15ml Marionette Mure, a liqueur made from Tasmanian blackberries, 45ml Four Pillars Dry Gin, 20ml freshly squeezed lemon juice and 15ml sugar syrup.
When asked about his ingredient choices Nick explained, "I think that Bramble is a fantastically accessible cocktail for everyone. It's the right balance of spirits, sweet and sour, plus it is a fun and pretty drink. The Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin and the Marionette Mure are both Victorian products. I always like to showcase local ingredients and producers."
He also provided positive feedback and tips to Certificate III in Hospitality student Stefania Ostojić, who confidently crafted a mocktail for Nick, who is also the co-author of All Day Cocktails, a collection of no and low-alcohol recipes.
"The mocktail I presented to Nick was my newest creation called 'Diamond Sour' which combines sapiir (non-alcoholic gin), lychee elixir, simple syrup, egg white and lemon juice, the result being a refreshing mocktail that is perfect for summer nights.
"Nick's recommendation to add salt to complement the sour taste, was a perfect finish to my mocktail and I'm so very grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in the masterclass," added Stefana.
When asked what advice Nick would give to all aspiring bartenders he replied, "Be a sponge. Go to bars where the people that you admire work. Drink, watch and soak it all in. Read as much as you can. Say yes to training and opportunities and have fun while you are doing it."
His new role as Creative Director at Four Pillars is a great milestone in Nick's career as he values their principles of using rare botanicals, craftsmanship, innovation and collaboration.
"This is a massive opportunity for me. I am really excited to push myself to learn new skills and to be able to educate and assist the next generation of hospitality professionals. From a creative point of view, being able to work with such a fantastic Australian brand to grow the Australian spirits industry, with great drinks along the way, should be fun too," he added.
Masterclasses that allow students to learn from elite hospitality professionals are a regular feature of the opportunities at Angliss.
Get your hospitality career on track with applications for the Certificate III in Hospitality and Diploma of Hospitality Management currently being accepted. Contact study@angliss.edu.au or call +613 8595 5334 to learn more.
