A downright delicious line-up with Stingray x Patron

In partnership with Patron, Stingray presents a new sip-worthy line-up of handcrafted cocktails to wet your whistle. 

To mark the occasion, we caught up with the woman behind the cocktails, our very own Stingray Bar Manager and cocktail concoctor, Niya Kumar. Chatting all things Patron, Niya shares with us her local connections and fav drink on the menu, which is so good, we couldn’t help but share the recipe with you.

What is the standout drink for you on the new Stingray x Patron menu?
Abeja Reina (Queen Bee) has to be my all-time favourite drink on the list, obviously, because I made it! But also, because it has some of my favourite flavours. When I tried the Husk Coconut Rum, I knew I wanted it in a margy. Patron Silver is smooth and delicious the ideal base for delicious, easy-to-drink margaritas!  

What do you love most about working with Patron?
I love how easily it pairs with all ingredients and has a nice finish – it’s the perfect base for a lot of cocktails. 

How do you approach incorporating seasonal or local ingredients into your cocktails? 
Using seasonal ingredients is ideal as the freshness enhances the flavour of your drink. Just grab your favourite fruits, herbs, and spices of the season and play around mixing them with different spirits until you find the perfect match. It’s like a fun experiment with deliciously fresh results! Sourcing locally takes a bit more time and patience. Stingray has built some great relationships with local distilleries. We love to showcase their spirits and really bring the local flavour to the forefront. Plus, we take the time to get to know these brands inside and out, so our team can share their unique stories and backgrounds with our guests, adding an extra layer of personal touch to every cocktail we serve. 

What’s your favourite memory or story from behind the bar? 
I have far too many great stories from behind the bar but all the memories centre around the people I’ve worked with over the years. My best friends and greatest relationships are with the people I have slinged cocktails with. I will always cherish the absolute belly laughs I have had with those people throughout my years behind the bar! 

Abeja Reina – Queen Bee
Ingredients: 

• 30ml Patron Silver 
• 30ml Husk Coconut Rum 
• 30ml Coconut Syrup 
• 2 Muddled Lychees
• 15ml Lychee Syrup 
• 45ml Lime Juice 
• Salt lick
• 2 skewered lychees as a garnish

Method : Shake all ingredients and double strain. Garnish with a salt rim and 2 skewered lychees. 

Make it at home or stop by QT Gold Coast’s Stingray to enjoy one created by Niya herself.