Keeley’s Bold Leap into Competitive Mixology

Meet Keeley, a 25-year-old bartender who made a bold career shift from a 9-to-5 desk job to the dynamic world of bartending. Her journey began- as most do- on a barstool in a Sydney CBD bar, where she found herself drawn to the vibrant energy and spirited conversation of the bartenders who served her and her friends.

Keeley decided then and there to make the switch to nightlife. Her career began at the Duke of Clarence in the heart of the YCK Precinct, where she honed her skills alongside like-minded colleagues. From there, she gained valuable experience at Huelo Bar in Newtown and is currently working at Centro 86 and Doorknock on Pitt Street. Jesting at Sydney’s high rent, Keeley expressed that balancing these two jobs also broadened her perspective on different service styles.

One significant lesson Keeley has learned is the importance of humility in bartending. She recalls advice she received early on from a colleague about always staying open to new knowledge, regardless of its source. This instilled Keeley’s desire for continuous learning, which has been instrumental in her growth. A year into bartending, she began to view this line of work as a legitimate and rewarding career.

Keeley’s appreciation for Cointreau – a key ingredient in her craft- began with a spirited debate at the Duke of Clarence over the perfect Margarita recipe. Initially mispronouncing the name, Keeley quickly recognised Cointreau for its signature sweetness and cemented that her version of the perfect margarita wouldn’t require any added sugar. Her fascination with Cointreau extends beyond the bottle; enthralled by the brand’s innovative marketing and impressive iconography throughout the 1900’s.

Keeley’s journey illustrates the transformative power of pursuing one’s passions and the enriching experiences that come from embracing continuous learning and adaptation in one’s career.

From Desk Job to Competition Champ: Keeley’s Mixology Triumph

Keeley’s story took an exciting turn when she ventured into competitive mixology. With a background in media production and a budding interest in marketing, Keeley found herself drawn to the intrinsic storytelling element of spirit competitions.

Keeley’s entry into the Cointreau Margarita challenge was a last-minute decision. Spurred by Instagram ads, an article in Bartender Magazine and a tequila training session at Centro 86, Keeley capitalized on the last three days before the deadline to craft her signature serve. Her determination paid off when she became one of the top 8 finalists, a moment she celebrated with her colleague, Bear Murphy, who also made the cut.

Competing against Bear was both daunting and thrilling, but with mentorship from Judith Zhu- a respected figure in the industry- Keeley felt well-supported. She recalls Judith’s invaluable guidance, taking time to help refine both Bear and Keeley’s presentation and approach.

There were still nerves, to be sure. Keeley performed first on the night, and she was very aware this was the first time she had ever presented in a competition. Despite this, her experience as a bartender allowed her to connect with the judges effortlessly. Her presentation, infused with personal anecdotes and a touch of humour, resonated well. But it was her ‘winning cocktail’ that underpinned this success. When Keeley won, her surprise and elation was palpable. This marked a memorable moment in her competition journey.

Crafting a Winning Drink: Keeley’s Signature Serve

Keeley’s signature serve, “Tan Line” reflects her Sydney roots and her flair for storytelling. The inspiration behind the margarita was deeply personal; she wanted to create a cocktail around the idea of sunburn. With spice elements and a playful riff on ingredients used for ‘burn relief’, her serve draws upon the all-too-familiar sunburnt Sydney Beach Day. Keeley’s drink evoked a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. She chose to let Cointreau shine as the star ingredient, allowing the other flavours to complement and enhance the liqueur.

The Recipe:

• 45ml Cocoa Butter-washed Tequila
• 25ml Cointreau
• 25ml Lime juice
• 7ml Kiwi oleo
• Shaved Aloe Vera Ice

Garnished with a salt rim that resembles Sydney sand and offers a spicy kick.

Named “Tan Line” (after much deliberation!) Keeley’s cocktail was designed to be both sweet and spicy, relatable and distinctive. Served with a bespoke, orange-scented bottle of sunscreen, the drink was a crowd favourite!

The International Competition Experience

The global competition was held in Angers, France. Keeley described it as an intense 5 days of excitement and camaraderie. Despite being one of the less-experienced finalists, Keeley felt a strong sense of unity and encouragement from the group.

She recalls moments where all the competitors gladly lent equipment and advice leading up the competition day, recognising that everyone simply wanted each other to do their best. Her presentation received high praise from the judges, and she was commended for her cocktail’s balance of flavour. However, Keeley encountered issues with her ice texture due to travel issues. The judges’ critiques highlighted areas to improve such as presentation in the final mystery box challenge, however Keeley took these comments in stride, affirmed in that she agreed they were areas for growth.

For other bartenders contemplating similar competitions, Keeley’s advice is clear:

“Take the plunge. Believe in your own ability to create and present, and don’t be intimidated by the experience of those around you. By embracing the challenge, you will always learn and improve”.

Keeley’s story is a testament to the rewards of pursuing one’s passion with dedication and originality. Her success through Cointreau is rewarded by the joy of connecting with others.

Global Opportunities and Lifelong Connections

Competing on an International stage opened exciting doors for Keeley’s career. The unforgettable experience in France was followed by a Bar Takeover at Lilith & Son’s in Barcelona, where Keeley was able to demonstrate her passion on the other side of the world. Despite a language barrier, Keeley felt the universally rewarding experience of hospitality, and showcased her skills to an appreciative audience. She also created lifelong friendships with her fellow competitors, excitedly sharing plans for a future group trip to Bali.

A Deeper Appreciation for Cointreau

Through the competition and subsequent experiences, Keeley gained a deeper appreciation for Cointreau’s legacy and authenticity. A highlight of her visit to the distillery was the wall of Cointreau “knock-offs”, showcasing the exclusive quality of the brand’s signature Triple Sec. Keeley’s encounter with Alfred Cointreau and Carole Quinton, Cointreau’s Master distiller, further enriched her appreciation for craftmanship.

Keeley’s journey underscores the importance of having fun and embracing opportunities. Her success in the national competition and the global stage highlights the value of passion, creativity and connection. Keeley hopes that other aspiring bartenders will take similar risks, enjoy the process and believe in their own abilities.

Learn more about Cointreau.