Where to get a drink from Australia’s best bartender
We’ve all got that mate who could drink for Australia. Eduardo Conte can mix drinks for Australia. He’s ready to take on the world in the bartender Olympics.
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If bartending was an Olympic sport (and perhaps, it should be), the Australian champion would reside right here in Sydney.
Eduardo Conde from Paddington Mexican bar El Primo Sanchez has been crowned Diageo World Class Australian Bartender of the Year for 2023.
Conde, who originally hails from Mexico but has been in Australia for ten years, competed in cocktail challenges against bartenders from bars across Australia to claim the title.
Meaning he will now go on to represent Australia at the World Class Global Finals (aka bartender Olympics) in Brazil in September.
“I’m still in a bit of shock and process everything. It feels great. I’ve put a lot of effort and work into this,” he said.
“The level of the competition is so high and it’s very recognised not only here, but around the world. And it’s not only about the drinks but it’s about the whole aspect of being a true hospitality ambassador. That’s the thing I like the most about the competition.”
Among their challenges, Conde, who has a finalist in the competition last year, had to five different cocktails with a mystery ingredient in five minutes.
Conde has previously worked at Sydney bar This Must Be The Place, followed by No. 92 GPR before joining El Primo Sanchez, which is run by the Maybe Group.
The hospitality titans bar Maybe Sammy in The Rocks has taken out the title of Australia’s Best Bar four years in a row.
Conde, who is a beer or wine drinker himself, believes competitions like these help give consumers an understanding of “how much time and effort we put into our jobs.”
He’s confident that he can make Sydney, and Australia proud, come September.
“I feel very confident because I have the best of both worlds. Coming from overseas but then living in Australia has really helped me understand the mix of cultures,” he said.
“Especially here, having so many different nationalities. I think that’s a great advantage.”
In the meantime, cocktail fans can find Conde at El Primo Sanchez, where he is the licensee.
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