The launch of 78 Degrees’ new Sunshine State Gin was celebrated last week with a cocktail competition held at the Purple Palm Bar in Brisbane. The distilling team at 78 Degrees created the inaugural competition to challenge local bartenders to craft an innovative cocktail that highlighted the gin’s unique and vibrant tropical flavours, while also showcasing presentation, creativity, use of ingredients, and flavour balance.
The competition received numerous high-quality entries from Queensland bartenders, which were shortlisted to only six finalists. All finalists then made and presented their creations live to a panel of judges at the Purple Palm launch. The panel of judges included Daniel Gregory (The Gresham), Marco Nunes (Allara Learning), and Jared Thibault (FnB Collective).
Jared said, “We were delighted to see so many people go to such lengths to create unique and delicious drinks with the just-released Sunshine State Gin. The competition was challenging, and some really innovative, well-crafted, and perfectly balanced drinks were presented.”
Andie Bulley from Saville Row bar in Fortitude Valley won the top prize on the night with her fantastic ‘Sunny State Punch’ cocktail. Andie’s winning cocktail not only stood out for its use of Sunshine State Gin’s unique blend of tropical fruit but also for her innovative and thoughtful efforts to address ingredient sustainability, which is a key part of the 78 Degrees mantra.
Jared said, “The winning drink was very creative, utilising ingredients that included fruit waste verjuice and passionfruit mead. The balance was excellent, and the Sunshine State Gin really shone through.”
Andie’s prize included a $500 voucher to spend across Talisman Group’s stable of venues, as well as $500 in cash. More Create a Stir Sunshine State Gin cocktail competitions are planned in other states in the coming months.
Sunshine State Gin has been crafted using juicy mangoes, overripe pineapple, and passionfruit – all sourced from Queensland. Bottled at 42% ABV, this dry and well-balanced gin has all the bright and refreshing notes of the hero botanicals used, making it perfect for summer sipping or mixing in cocktails like a Giña Colada or Sunshine Fizz. Originally a limited release created specifically for Purple Palm Bar, Sunshine State Gin has had such a great response that it has been introduced into 78 Degrees’ core gin range.
To purchase 78° Sunshine State Gin online, click here.
It is also available for purchase at the 78 Degrees cellar door at Lot100 in the Adelaide Hills, or through select retailers and venues nationwide.
