Darwin’s Joey Folkersma Shakes Up the Hospitality Industry as Australian Bartender of the Year 2024!
Raise a glass to Darwin’s own Joey Folkersma, of Hanky Panky Lounge & Bar Kokomo, who recently claimed the prestigious title of Australian Bartender of the Year 2024!
This milestone marks the first time a Territorian has ever taken home this top honour and it’s a victory that has the whole Top End celebrating.
The competition, organised by Australian Bartender Magazine and sponsored by Hendrick’s Gin and Monkey Shoulder Whisky, took place last month at Sydney’s iconic Jackson’s on George. In a nail-biting showdown, Australia’s best bartenders faced a rigorous written exam, a speed cocktail round, and a blind tasting, before the top three went head-to-head in front of an audience of more than 200 industry insiders.
Joey’s final creations – a Hendrick’s-inspired cocktail and a bold Monkey Shoulder concoction – blew the judges away, earning him the top spot. His flair, innovation, and expertise truly shone, and he’ll now head to Scotland in 2025 with Hendrick’s Gin and Monkey Shoulder’s team, along with gracing the cover of Australian Bartender magazine.
Cheers to Joey and his exciting victory – pop in and see him at Bar Kokomo & Hanky Panky Lounge soon.
Follow Joey on Instagram @bartenderytype
Bar Kokomo, Darwin’s first dedicated rum bar, channels the Caribbean with bold rum cocktails and a relaxed, island-inspired atmosphere that feels right at home in Darwin’s tropical climate.
Instagram @bar.kokomo
Meanwhile, Hanky Panky Lounge takes classic cocktails and adds a twist inspired by seasonal ingredients or the hero spirit, proving that timeless taste is always in vogue.
Instagram @hankypanky.lounge
