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The Road to the Hacienda Cocktail Competition

Mariposa Suerta Road to the Hacienda

This cocktail competition is like no other, in The Road to the Hacienda challenged bartenders from across the nation to put their mixing skills to the test to win it all. 16 bartenders earned a trip to the finals at Casa Herradura to create a truly original Tequila Herradura cocktail.

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The contestants had to go through two phases of the competition to make it to the Casa.  The first phase was an online entry recreating the Original Horseshoe Margarita with their personal flare and showing their knowledge of the brand along with an educational quiz.  The second phase was a regional event where they competed in person and were judged by a panel.

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The 16 bartenders brought their own character and love for their craft along with their mixology skills to Guadalajara not knowing what to expect in the finals.  They were representing some big markets including:

  • New York
  • Los Angeles
  • Chicago
  • San Francisco
  • Atlanta
  • Miami
  • Las Vegas
  • Denver

The competition was shaping up to be unforgettable.  Every bartender was thrilled to be in Guadalajara representing their market, and they couldn’t wait to be challenged.  With the ultimate prize of a San Francisco Tequila Experience + Video Shoot Trip (ARV $3000) and of course bragging rights up for grabs, the Road to the Hacienda was starting to heat up.

First up – Speed Cocktail Competition

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We were ready for the bartenders to walk onto the platform of the train and be presented with their first challenge – speed and efficiency on a train!  

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They had to craft three classic tequila cocktails in five minutes or less.  I don’t know about you, but I’m challenged enough just walking on a train let alone cutting garnishes and pouring beverages.

Finale Event – Creating A Signature Tequila Herradura Cocktail Competition

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After the tour of the Hacienda, the finalists were given their last challenge – Natural Fermentation Challenge.  They were challenged with creating a truly original Tequila Herradura cocktail using local fruit grown at the Hacienda.  

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During the timed event they were asked questions about how this related to the history of Casa Herradura and their inspiration behind the cocktail.

The bartenders put everything that had into crafting the perfect cocktail from the ingredients to the vessel, with 16 to chose from I wouldn’t want to be the judges.  By the end of the night the winners were selected, and after seeing the recipes you’ll know why.

I can’t wait to make these at home!

The Road to the Hacienda Winning Cocktails

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Mariposa Suerta, 1st Place Winning Tequila Cocktail

Crafted by Egor Polinski of Chicago

1 ½ oz Tequila Herradura Anejo

¾ oz Yellow Chartreuse

1 oz Tangerine Sour Mix

¾ oz Pineapple Elixir

Burgamit and Fennel Extract

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with orange peel and pineapple leaf, crafted as a butterfly.

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El Medico de Jalisco, 2nd Place Winning Tequila Cocktail

Crafted by Nic Lazzareschi of Denver

2 oz Tequila Herradura Silver + Almond Milk-Washed with Citric Acid

½ oz Tequila Herradura Reposado

¼ oz Mango-Jalapeno Simple Syrup

½ oz Vanilla Simple Syrup

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime half with tangerine peel and pomegranate seeds. 

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The Road Home, 3rd Place Winning Tequila Cocktail

Crafted by Veronica Correa of New York

2 oz Tequila Herradura Silver

¾ oz Fresh Sour Mix (Lemon-Lime)

¼ oz Fresh Pineapple  Juice

Orange oils

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass.

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Tracy Iseminger

Tracy is a busy mother to 2 girls, 3 dogs, 5 cats, and 17 chickens! Her adventures in cooking led her to create Daily Dish Magazine. She has a passion for pairing food with travel and wine. She is Marketing Director at Crimson Vine Marketing, Social Media Specialist at Cougar Digital Marketing, and a Dental Hygienist in her spare time... but her favorite thing to do is spend time with her family.

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