The action arose as six state finalists, whittled down from a record field of over 500 bartenders from all over Australia, converged on Sydney’s bar of the moment, Cargo Bar. In front of a record crowd that peaked at an estimated 1500, James Turner of Tasmania’s Isobar won the national championship when he made the inspiring Chambord based cocktail ‘Silent Symphony’.

Having won Cocktail Product of the Year in 2002 it was no surprise when the winning cocktail was based around the enticing flavours of the majestic Chambord Liqueur.

By no means is Silent Symphony a complicated cocktail to make, which adds to its appeal. Chambord and Peach Schnapps are blended until smooth. Mozart Black, a non-creamy dark chocolate flavoured liqueur is then floated over the top and garnished using strawberries and mint leaves – simply irresistible.The Suntory Cup was held in conjunction with the ABG (Australian Bartenders Guild), the Midori Flair Tending National Championships and the Havana Club Pre Dinner National final. Together the events received unprecedented media covered including Nova FM and the Woman’s Weekly Fresh program on Channel 9.

“The competition for the championship was extremely tough this year with only 6 points separating second and first place,” commented Patrick Borg, On Premise Trade Marketing Manager Suntory Australia and MC for the day.

James along with the winners of the Havana Club ABG Pre Dinner National Final (Charlene McKay of the Richmond Club, NSW) and Midori ABG Flair Tending National Championship (Loy Catada of Deville Lounge, NSW) will now fly to Seville, Spain and attend the IBA World Cocktail Championships. The Championships will be held between 18th – 23rd October 2003.

Silent Symphony –The 2003 Suntory Cup Winner
30ml Chambord
15ml Peach Schnapps
15ml Mozart Black Chocolate Liqueur
Method: Blend with ice until smooth. Float Mozart Black
Garnish: Strawberry and Mint leaves
Glass: Standard Cocktail Glass