Competitions

Cocktail competition drinks.

Toma! Toma! Tomatillo

2026 Mezcal Vago “Spirit of the Spring”
*1st place*

A bright and vegetal margarita that pays homage to sping and the origins of Mezcal Vago.

Mezcal Vago Manantial
Olive oil syrup
Acid-adjusted tomatillo juice
Smokey green mango tincture
Olive skewer garnish

Another Man’s Treasure

20026 Brooklyn Kura shochu cocktail competition party
*1st Place*

Inspired by Kura Shochu’s kasutori style—and the repurposing of sake kasu to create a bold new product—this drink utilizes delicious flavors that might otherwise be discarded.

Brooklyn Kura shochu
Tepache style oleo sacchrum
Roasted corn cob broth acid solution
Spent coffee ground infused Faccia Brutto centerbe
Parmesan rind washed espadín mezcal

Image rights: Brooklyn Kura

Banana Pepper

2025 Widow Jane “After the Gold Rush”
*2nd Place*

A take on the Gold Rush that builds on the flavor pairing of banana and guajillo peppers.

Widow Jane 10yr
Banana shoyu honey
Guajillo pepper & lemon super juice
Hojicha infused creme de cacao

Image rights: Widow Jane

Bell of the Ball

2025 Hayman’s gin global competition
*Top 15 Global Finalist*

An unusual flavor combo of bell pepper, chocolate, and hazelnut make this savory sweet drink a complex crusher.

Hayman’s Old Tom gin
Red bell pepper juice
Giffard creme de cacao blanc
Frangelico
Lemon juice

Image rights: Hayman’s gin

Re-Peel Day

2025 Great Jones Distillery “Manhattan’s Manhattan”
*Semi-finalist*

Taking inspiration from Great Jones ’ history of being the first post-prohibition distillery in Manhattan, this Manhattan riff is fruity, spiced, and delicious.

Great Jones bourbon
Banana peel oleo sacchrum
Matchbook Distilling Shady Lady rum
Method dry vermouth
Bitterman’s mole bitters

Image rights: Vinepair and Great Jones