Brent Perremore has become a leading influence in the South African cocktail scene long before taking the top spot in the 12th edition of the Diageo World Class Competition. Here’s what the country’s best bartender can teach you about making a drink.

1. Congratulations on being the winner of the WC 2021 comp! How did you prepare for this challenge?

A lot of hard work and sleepless nights putting together some incredible serves, presentations and of course epic cocktails.

2. Which drinks did you present to the judges?

The poolside challenge:

1. ‘The Izzy high boiler.’

Bulleit Bourbon stirred with toasted coconut and guava cordial and fresh Yuzu juice. Topped with a Japanese Yuzu lager and garnished with a lemon leaf.

2. ‘The Hollowbek.’

Don Julio Reposado shaken with passion fruit puree ,Jalapeno cordial , agave syrup and Cape gooseberry bitters. Garnished with mint and a Granadilla lolly.

Fashion Icon challenge:

1. ‘The Untitled cocktail.’

Johnny Walker Gold reserve shaken with cream, egg white, lemon ,cream , Tonka bean syrup . Topped with carbonated pineapple juice and Saffron paint and Garnished with art printed on Rice paper.

Saint & Sinner Challenge:

1. ‘Diamond in the rough.’

The Singleton 12 yr shaken with Branca Menta , Waterberry liquer, lime simple syrup.  Garnished with activated charcoal and French Macaron. 

2.’ Pearls of Wisdom.’

Tanqueray No 10 stirred with IPA vermouth, Italicus bergamot liquer and Cascara bitters. Garnished with Grapefruit zest and edible pearls.

3. What’s your favourite cocktail to enjoy?

An ‘Old Fashioned ‘

4. If you were on a date, what cocktail would you make to impress?

A riff on a ‘French 75’

5. How did you get into this line of work?

It started as something cool to do as a young man, till I started my career. But little did I know that it would end up becoming a wonderful career on its own.

6. How many years have you been in the industry for?

About 25 years total.

7. Where can we experience your award winning cocktails?

If you can find us .. at ‘ The Art of Duplicity ‘

8. What’s next for you?

Global domination..just kidding.  Doing what I love and open a few more award winning bars in SA and abroad. 

9. What advice do you have for people who want to follow in your footsteps?

Hard work , Hard work , Hard work .Do the hard yards , all while staying passionate and giving the best of yourself always.