The Sandbar Scarborough Beach’s Matcha Made In Heaven crowned WA’s Best Cocktail at the AHA awards 2025

Four of Perth’s top bartenders gathered at Crown Perth to shake until their arms were sore for a panel of industry experts who crowned The Sandbar Scarborough Beach the winner of WA’s Best Cocktail Competition.

Bartenders from Lima Cantina in Leederville, Aloft Perth’s Lobby Lounge, Print Hall in Perth and The Sandbar Scarborough Beach battled for glory and bragging rights at the annual AHA Hospitality Expo mix-off on Tuesday.

The Matcha Made in Heaven cocktail from The Sandbar Scarborough Beach is only the second drink to be crowned the AHA and Don Julio WA’s Cocktail of the Year after the Père Julio from L’Chaim at The Old Synagogue in Fremantle took the top spot at the inaugural event last year.

Cocktail creator Marina Vidal told The West Australian she was on top of the world after winning.

“I did not think that was going to happen,” she said.

“I am so proud of me.”

The quartet of cocktails, ranging from Lima Cantina’s classic Pisco Sour to The Sandbar’s Matcha Made In Heaven, were selected via public votes and mystery judge visits.

Voters were encouraged to consider taste, appearance, creativity, price and the story behind the drink.

The other finalists were Print Hall’s theatrical spin on an espresso martini, The Nocturne, and Aloft Perth’s fluorescent blue, tropical-tasting Coco Loco.

Each cocktail shaker had eight minutes to make four faultless drinks for the judges who each held a plethora of industry experience to rate.

About a hundred people gathered around the stage salivating as the mixologists spent the last of their seconds placing dry fruits and edible flowers on top of their highly regarded recipes.

AHA WA boss Bradley Woods said the contest celebrated the art of cocktail making and gives venues a chance to shine.

The winning venue received box tickets to see One Republic at RAC Arena in February valued at $4000.