Two bartenders set for Singapore adventure

Leading Sydney bartenders Max Greco and Pasan Wijesena are both Singapore bound following a recent cocktail competition that celebrated the origins of the Singapore Sling cocktail.

Held on Thursday February 13, the Sling Fling cocktail reinvention challenge was hosted by Time Out Sydney on behalf of Singapore Tourism (STB), with additional support from Tanqueray.

Time Out selected four of Sydney’s best bartenders to design their take on the famous gin cocktail for the chance to win a return trip for two to Singapore with four nights accommodation.

L-R: Max Greco, Eddie De Souza, Michael Rodrigues, Sharon Lam, Pasan Wijesena

The creme de la creme bartender selection included:

Pasan Wijesena (Earl’s Juke Joint)

Cocktail: Long Tong Boon Lah

A bittered gin sling with Dom Benedictine, cognac, fresh lime, plum wine and soda topped with pinaepple and coriander shrub.

Michael Chiem (Sokyo Lounge)

Cocktail: Just Beet It

A gin cocktail mixed with brandy, beetroot and rhubarb reduction. 

Max Greco (Vasco)

Cocktail: Singapore Slang

A dry, clear brandy cherry with Dom Benedictine, a home made pineapple soda and bitters.

Jonothan Carr (The Wild Rover)

Cocktail: Singapore Shhling

Gin, Dom Benedictine, a bitter cherry pomegranate shrub, salted pineapple syrup over lemon sorbet.

The bartenders had to shake, rattle and present in front of a crowd of 100 thirsty punters and a panel of expert judges that included Sharon Lam, area director of STB, Eddie De Souza of Tanqueray Gin and Michael Rodrigues, CEO of Time Out. 

They produced cocktails all night before both consumers and judges cast their votes based on taste, presentation and creativity.

It was such a close battle that for the first time in Time Out history, the competition was drawn. 

Bartenders Greco and Wijesena were equal winners, occasioning STB to generously give away two trips rather than one.

“The bartenders and crowd were thrilled and everyone walked away talking about Tanqueray and the incredible flavours the boys brought to life,” Time Out said.

Two bartenders set for Singapore adventure