It was hosted by Casa Noble (a boutique tequila distillery) at the House of Blues in Las Vegas.
MMmmmm ... tequila ...
Cocktails from 10 mixologists were judged by a panel including musician Carlos Santana (part owner of Casa Noble), Casa Noble CEO Jose “Pepe” Hermosillo, and House of Blues Las Vegas GM Andrew Economon. Prizes included a guitar signed by Carlos Santana.
I didn't know Carlos Santana owned part of a distillery, but that's pretty cool... “It is an honor to be around people with a passion for exploration, flavor, and good taste,” Santana said. “I look for people and things that complement any environment and create a synthesis that changes your molecular structure.”
Well, okay, then.
The mixologists were required to create recipes with no more than five ingredients, including a Casa Noble Anejo, Crystal, or Reposado tequila. The two drinks rated highest became official Casa Noble cocktails, and were renamed the “Supernatural Margarita” after Santana’s top-selling album, Supernatural, and “El Beso Margarita.”
Since Ally's a local gal, I was offered her recipe to publish, along with a few others. Sure, why not. It's just like a guest recipe post except more ... drink-like.
Old Gold
By Ally Widlak, from Tahona in Boulder
1 1/2 oz Casa Noble Reposado
3/4 oz Canton Ginger Liqueur
1 to 1 1/2 oz Fresh Organic Orange juice
pinch of Organic Cardamom spice
Organic Turbinado Sugar for the rim
All shaken over ice and served straight up in a Martini glass with an orange peel twist.
But wait! There's more!
Unfortunately, the local gal didn't win (awwww... bummer) but I do have the two winning cocktail recipes for you as well.
Mix 'em up, and see what you think!
“Welcome to Casa”
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| Carlos Santana and J.R. Starkus. © Erik Kabik/ erikkabik.com |
By J.R. Staruks from RM Seafood in Las Vegas
1 1/2 oz Casa Noble Reposado
3/4 oz lime juice
1 oz Monin Spicy Mango Syrup
2 dashes of Grapefruit Bitters
4-6 basil Leaves
Shaken in a shaker tin, double strained, placed in a rocks glass, and topped with a basil leaf
“EL Vato”
(Now called EL BESO)
By Dimitri Sequeira from El Vato’s in Miami
2 oz. Casa Noble Crystal
1/2 oz Liquor 43
1 oz lime juice
3/4 oz Agave Nectar
1/4 oz cut orange (squeeze and drop)
8 oz ice
Shake well. Serve in 12 oz Pilsner glass.
For some reason I feel like dragging out one of my old Santana albums now.
