Alexander Fahrenheim Crowned AGCC South Africa Champion!

 The House of ANGOSTURA® has crowned its South African champion! Alexander Fahrenheim has triumphed at the 2024/2025 ANGOSTURA® Global Cocktail Challenge (AGCC) South African Finals, earning his place on the world stage in Trinidad and Tobago this May.

From a small bar in Johannesburg to the grand stage of the ANGOSTURA® Global Cocktail Challenge, Alexander Fahrenheim’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. “The journey started in 2016 at a small bar in Joburg, Sin + Tax. A journey I never imagined would take me as far as it has, eight years down the line—training and teaching others a craft I fell in love with. Flavour, fun, and seeing the world through different people—competitions give us the platform to see our peers’ work in a different perspective as well as our own. I’m over the moon to have won AGCC South Africa—let’s go meet the rest of the world.”

With unwavering passion and a deep respect for the art of mixology, Alexander’s victory is a testament to his dedication and skill. Now, he sets his sights on Trinidad & Tobago, where he will proudly represent South Africa on the global stage.

The competition was electrifying as South Africa’s top bartenders battled through high-stakes challenges, showcasing creativity and skill. The Queen’s Park Swizzle Challenge kicked things off, pushing finalists to modernize this classic cocktail while honouring its history. Next, the Mystery Box Challenge tested adaptability, requiring bartenders to craft an original, innovative serve using two surprise ingredients—all while meeting rigorous scoring criteria.

Alecs Besier, with a decade in the industry and a background in theatre, proved her expertise, securing second place. Now the Event Manager for the Ajabu Cocktail Festival, she’s dedicated to growing the bartender community. Rising to both challenges with precision and flair, she impressed with her technical skill and creativity.

“Second place is such an honour considering the high calibre of bartenders who competed yesterday. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and will be cheering on other Alex as he crosses the seas to represent us,” Alecs shared. Her passion and talent continue to leave a lasting mark on South Africa’s cocktail culture.

Claiming third place was Cameron Flint of fable, whose creativity and innovation in mixology have earned him a strong following on social media. Known for pushing the boundaries of cocktail craftsmanship, his inventive approach continues to set him apart in the industry.

This year’s AGCC South African Finals showcased ten of the country’s most exceptional bartenders, each bringing a unique blend of skill, creativity, and innovation to the competition.

Standout contenders included Aimee Donofrio (Smoking Kills Bar), Jason Bezuidenhout (Harringtons Cocktail Lounge), Devon Andreka (Obscura Cocktail Bar & Eatery), and Jorge Diamantino (SIP Exclusive), along with Ashley Kallis (Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo), Thabiso Mabana (SIP Exclusive), and Caitlin Crockart (Sin + Tax). Their quick thinking and exceptional cocktail craftsmanship, especially in the Mystery Box Challenge, showcased their expertise under pressure.

Each competitor delivered a performance that reinforced South Africa’s reputation as a rising force in the global mixology scene

A competition of this calibre demands a panel of esteemed experts, and our distinguished judges certainly delivered. We extend our deepest gratitude to Cassandra Eichhoff, Director of the European Bartender School, Jody Francis, Brand Ambassador at Fitch & Leedes and Co-Founder of Oraga Agave, Robyn Murray, Mixologist and bartender at The Queen’s Bar, and Nicholas Crouse, Co-founder of Talking to Strangers Bar in Cape Town. Their expertise, discerning palates, and keen eye for excellence ensured that only the very best emerged victorious, making this an unforgettable showcase of talent and skill.

Events like these wouldn’t be possible without the support from amazing partners, whose contributions helped make the AGCC South African Finals a resounding success. A massive thank you to THIRST Bar Services for setting up a stunning bar experience, Fitch & Leedes for being the official mixer sponsor, and Clearworld

Suppliers for providing S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna waters, along with their delicious Sanpellegrino Sparkling Drinks range. A special shoutout to Copper Monkey Ice for ensuring the competitors had access to premium ice, elevating their cocktail creations to the next level. Their support and commitment to the industry is truly invaluable!

With the South African Finals wrapped, all eyes are now on the global stage. As Alexander Fahrenheim prepares to represent the nation in May, we know he’ll bring the same skill, passion, and ingenuity that won him this title.

South Africa let’s raise a glass—the journey to cocktail greatness continues!