Bartending has taken local Coastie, Joel Konza all over the world! From winning the 2022 Asian Pacific Bartender of the Year competition in Singapore and competing in the 2023 IBA World Final and in the Diageo World Class, arguably the most publicised comp in bartending. When he is not jet setting and competing, Joel is Group Beverage Manager of one of the Central Coast’s trendiest bars, Drifters Wharf!

The first venue Joel recommends is the vibrant Mexicoast Cantina that has recently relocated from Terrigal over to Toukley. It's a fun venue with great food too!

His favourite drink is a tequila base with homemade pineapple shrub and a touch of spice through it called the 'Pina Picante'.

Set right by the beach at Norah Head with the sounds of the waves gently lapping on the sand is Joel's favourite tapas bar on the Coast. 

His cocktail of choice is a heart-warming cocktail called the Max Miller made with vodka and chocolate liquor.

Imagine you're seating on the roof top, looking over Terrigal beach, onto the water and eating a meat board. The cocktail that Joel suggests is the 'Sugar Daddy'. A super fun cocktail made with vodka, passionfruit and lemon served with some sprinkles on the top.

When in Terrigal, Joel admits there is nothing better than enjoying a freshly made Italian pizza and sipping on a super fresh cocktail called 'The Downeaster'. It's a mix of sloe gin, pineapple, passionfruit and lime. 

Joel recommends Terrigal's Pocket Bar for its Negroni! He says they have definitely got the negroni right here in this little trendy Sydney type bar and  always go for a classic here!

While eating fresh seafood sitting on the water overlooking Brisbane Water at Gosford, Joel suggests a nice spicy margarita type cocktail made with tequila, pineapple and jalapeno called the 'El Capitano'. 

'Jerry’s Coco Rumba' is Joel's favourite cocktail at Bar Toto in Ettalong which is a coconut tequila based cocktail with house made triple sec. It's creamy and coconutty and great for sipping on while sitting in the old theatre. Lucky Bee has just moved into that little plaza. The plaza is a great little spot to visit. 

Not strictly a cocktail, but Joel says you won't be able to pass on the Pale Ale or Moobi Valley burgers with tasting paddles allowing you to try all their beers. This great spot in Erina Heights is perfect for a Sunday afternoon session.