Meet Josh Hendricks: South Africa's 'cocktail master'

Tracey Lange speaks to Josh Hendricks, South Africa's "Cocktail Master" who's heading to the World Championships in May in Mexico.

Listen to his journey below.

Meet Josh Hendricks!

Hendricks has been crowned South Africa's cocktail master after clinching top honours at this year’s Patrón Perfectionists, a global bartending competition which gives mixologists a platform to showcase their skills as they strive for perfection in their craft. 

How did Hendricks become a perfectionist in his craft?

"Perfection comes from having to do it every day."

Josh Hendricks, South Africa's "Cocktail Master"

And he does! You might have seen him around the popular spot, Fable, in Cape Town where he regularly perfects his mixology skills. If you haven't, it's a new spot to try out, ASAP.

But, mixology wasn't always the plan...

Hendricks says he was set to study engineering until COVID came along and "changed everything" and set him on the path to become South Africa's cocktail master.

And the future is bright...

The mixologist will continue waving South Africa's flag and showcase his craft at the World Championships in May in Mexico. 

So, what's the top cocktail in South Africa right now?

MARGARITAS...

There's a song named after it so we get it... (sings in... gimme one margarita imma... #iykyk).

There's also a whole day dedicated to the cocktail (22 February) - so if you haven't had a margie today, have one on World Margarita Day on Thursday.

Hendricks says that there's a "big boom" with tequila and cocktails at the moment so it makes sense that margaritas are most people's drink of choice.

It's also a classic with just three ingredients, adds Hendricks.

What makes the perfect margarita? 

Make sure you have a double shot of tequila, one shot orange liquor and shaken lime juice with a salted rim in a cold glass - mmm!

If you're hosting a party, the cocktail master recommends making the tequila shots and orange liquor mix in batches while pre-squeezing the lime and keeping your glasses chilled to get those margies out fast and be the hostess with the mostess.

All in all, remember these words from the cocktail connoisseur, "it's a fun cocktail, so have fun with it."