Jeff Clifford, Stingray Gold Coast

Venue manager Jeff Clifford has worked at Stingray Bar & Lounge in Surfers Paradise for nearly three years. A Gold Coast hotspot where patrons hit the dance floor every weekend, the bar nevertheless takes cocktail appreciation seriously. “In July last year I won a trip to Tequila, Mexico, to visit tequila and mezcal producers and learn about the production of my favourite spirits,” says Clifford. “I’ve since been able to host tequila appreciation classes at Stingray Lounge.” Clifford’s cocktail, the Weekend Away, is a spin on the Cuban classic the Mojito. “This beverage plays on the age-old relationship between Caribbean rum and fresh mint, while lightening the palate with sweet pineapple notes and a clean finish thanks the NZ Sav Blanc.”