Wollongong's first regular cocktail competition between the city's small bars has been dubbed a huge success, after a crowd of hospitality workers packed out the Howlin' Wolf bar on Monday night.
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Run by two local bar managers, Howlin' Wolf's Jay Cozma and Beach Burrito's Tim Day, the competition was designed to celebrate the ever-evolving Wollongong bar scene.
Themed to celebrate the United States' prohibition era, the competition required each of the seven competing bartenders to make their version of a classic cocktail - like a Manhattan or Sazerac - and come up with a new drink that put a twist on tradition.
"There was a cigar-infused cocktail and one that used bitters foam, so lots of interesting ingredients," Mr Day said.
Dagwood, Three Chimneys and the Little Prince took out first, second and third place respectively, inventing colourfully-named drinks like "Old Blue Eyes" and "The Sheriff".
"Everything went really well, the whole bar was packed out and everyone dressed up and got into the theme," Mr Day said.
"The turnout actually shocked me - it was awesome to see the support behind our small bar culture that's happening in Wollongong.
The organisers plan to hold the competition every eight weeks at a different bar.
