Each year the PATRÓN Perfectionists global finals brings a new level of creativity along with new approaches to flavor, technique, and storytelling. This program illuminates the tireless efforts of bartenders, shining a light on where the hospitality industry is heading. These are the tastemakers, the leaders, those changing the way the world drinks.

The week of global finals served as a celebration and culmination of the bartender’s efforts, highlighting their strengths through three unique and technical challenges. In between touring Hacienda PATRÓN and learning the process from agave to bottling from Master Distiller David Rodriguez, the finalists devoted themselves to the task of creating a blind judged speed round highball, sharing a story of culture and personal detail with a drink to match, and leaving the comfort of the bar to serve a non-alcoholic side serve with a pour of PATRÓN Tequila. 

While each challenge sported a winner, one bartender was crowned the 2023 PATRÓN Perfectionists Global Champion. Israel’s Mor Koral, founder of Cocktail Kitchen Company, shared some of her takeaways and advice for future PATRÓN Perfectionists, below. 

How does it feel to be a PATRÓN Perfectionists Global Champion?

It is still hard to believe or understand that something I worked so hard for for so many years has actually happened. Sometimes when I walk down the street, I just smile to myself and feel filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for being part of the PATRÓN family.

What did you take away from your time at Hacienda PATRÓN?

Good friends for life from all over the world — the kinds of friendships where I feel I can just give them a call and crash on their couch in Italy, South Africa, or anywhere in between. I came away with friends that I’m sure will forever be a part of my journey.

What would you like to say to your fellow PATRÓN Perfectionists from this year?

This whole week was so incredible and unforgettable. I’d mostly want to say thanks to each one of them. The team spirit, the support, laughter, help, advice, big smiles — all of those things made this experience truly real and amazing.

What’s a memory from your experience that you will cherish?

The first memory that comes to my mind: my amazing Swedish roommate Jayde and I, doing rehearsal in the room, pretending the ironing board was our bar in the challenge. 

Any advice for someone considering applying for this program?

JUST DO IT. No matter what stage you achieve, you can only gain from this experience in a personal way, learning more about yourself, your passions, and your strengths and vulnerabilities.

Follow along with @academia_patron and @morko.koral for continued updates and activities from around the world.