Female Bartender Wins PH Patrón Perfectionists Nationals
BARS

Kristina Tubig Becomes 1st Female Bartender to Win PH Patrón Perfectionists

Kristina Tubig bested nine other contenders in this year’s national Patrón Perfectionists competition and will be representing the Philippines on the global stage. The 26-year-old bartender from Southbank Cafe + Lounge in Muntinlupa has become the first female bartender to win the national finals and to represent the country in eight years.

The Patrón Perfectionists entry challenge for 2022-23 called Hometown Hero required each bartender to create a unique cocktail using a maximum of five ingredients, mixing Patrón Silver Tequila with one local ingredient along with other ingredients from a prescribed pantry list.

Kristina made the cut with her “Salo Salo” recipe using carabao and coconut milk liqueur, Fino Sherry, and drops of saline solution.

“I created this drink to remember what Filipino Salo Salo made me feel. I chose Tibok Tibok as my Hometown Hero because kakanins [rice cakes] are always present in Filipino celebrations and it is believed to make friends and families stronger and tighter together with its sticky texture,” she was quoted as saying.

The competition went through several rounds until the contestants were narrowed down to five. What sealed her victory was her signature cocktail called “Breaking Norms,” which used pink guava as a main ingredient.

Kristina is set to fly to Jalisco, Mexico in March to compete in the Patrón Perfectionists Global Finals at Hacienda Patrón, the brand’s purpose-built distillery.

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