The bartender

Judith Zhu

Door Knock

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A BARTENDER?
I was feeling lost in my uni degree during the pandemic studying online. I realised that I barely had any people skills but had a massive interest in talking flavour. That snowballed to where my journey is currently. I was heavily inspired by the idea of being behind the bar connecting with people and sharing what I create. What started as a passion for flavour and balance became a desire to create something memorable through cocktails.

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INFLUENCE?

That’s a hard one! I believe you’ll be able to learn something new from meeting anyone! I would have to say it is made up of talented, ambitious women that have paved the way within the industry. In particular, Andie Bulley @andiebulley, Rhianna Lucas @rhixwhiskey, Natalie Ng (@ nat_nsc), Rachel Mynczywor (@shakeittas), Ana Mitchell (@anamarie.95) and Mel Rose Hack (@ melrosemixers).

The hero cocktail

Reyka Lagoon Elixir

I wanted to create something that would welcome the warmer weather to feature Reyka Vodka, deciding on a bit of a weird riff on a Fruit Tingle. It’s fresh and fruity, designed as a refreshing reprieve from the heat. Sydney Craft Week perfectly captures the flavours and sweetness of summer. There’s a big popularity with clarified and milk washed cocktails. However my best memories are drinking the funkiest coloured fruity cocktails! This inspired me to create an elevated riff on a fruit tingle.

Ingredients

• Reyka Vodka

• De Kuyper Blue Curacao

• Passion fruit syrup

• Macadamia orgeat

• Luxardo Maraschino

• Lemon juice

Like this cocktail? The full recipe can be found in this year’s copy of the Top 25 Bartenders. Get your copy by clicking the button below.

The bar

Door Knock

I have called Doorknock home for the past eight months. We are an award-winning cocktail and wine bar located on the basement of Pitt St.
Once you find us, you'll walk down below street level where you'll have to knock three times to enter. Inside, you'll find a cosy hideaway with plenty of truffle popcorn and nibbles. With an impressive range of wines and cocktails to choose from, we are the perfect spot for your next night out.

Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday from 4pm until late; and open Thursday and Friday from 12 pm until late.