![Tim Philips named world's best bartender [recipe and video]](http://media.rbi.com.au/H_Media_Library/people/philips.jpg)
Tim Philips
Australia's Tim Philips, from Hemmesphere cocktail bar in Sydney, has been crowned Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year.
Philips beat 50 other finalists from around the world in the finals round, which saw him impress the judges with his winning signature serve - the Hot Toddy Australia, made with Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Blended scotch whiskey, honey, cinnamon quill and ginger.
Upon winning, Phillips said, "I am thrilled and humbled to be awarded Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year amongst all the exceptional talent I was competing alongside this week. Diageo Reserve World Class is taking bartending from a humble trade to a profession. If I can be an ambassador for that, it’s a dream come true".
Over the past year, contenders from the most esteemed bars around the world have competed in local and regional heats, each vying for an opportunity to show their talents at the global final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
As a global ambassador for Diageo Reserve World ClassS, Philips will become a recognised industry name as he travels the world, educating and inspiring new talent while widening his own knowledge and honing his skills and techniques along the way.
Challenges at the global final required bartenders to explore fast growing industry trends, with a particular focus on Retro Chic, a global luxury trend encapsulating the glamour and simplicity of the golden era of 50s and 60s.
Diageo Reserve World Class judge Ueno Hidetsugu said, "To succeed within Diageo Reserve World Class you must possess boundless creativity, precision, a sense of showmanship and an innate ability to connect with the customer. Each year I am astounded and inspired by the level of talent, skill and innovation that the participants bring to the Global Final Week.
"Tim blew me away with his ingenuity, vision, and insightful interpretation of the Retro Chic trend and is an ideal ambassador for our profession."
One of his winning recipes...
Signature cocktail - Montenegro treacle
45ml Ron zacapa
10 ml cider reduction
2 dash chocolate bitters
5ml amaro Montenegro