Raising toast to mixology

Creative Shots

Delhiites got a chance to experience the preliminary round of 1st ‘Corralejo Technicians Mixology Challenge 2012’. The event was recently organised for the first time in India and travelled to five cities. In Delhi, it was held at The Park Hotel by Corralejo Tequila (Mexico) where 29 bartenders participated from various hotels.

The fantastic turnout included names such as JW Marriott; Trident, Gurgaon; Leela Kempinski, Gurgaon; Smoke House Grill, The Lalit, New Delhi; Le Meridien, New Delhi; Blue Frog; The Claridges; Taj Palace and Taj Mahal among others. The bartenders exhibited their skills and those present at the venue buzzed with excitement. This preliminary round in Delhi was judged by Sommelier Magandeep Singh, mixologist Arijit Bose and Food and Wine writer Mudita Mubayi.

Few of the cocktails thus created were Corralejo Kaffir-lejo by Raktim Saha, Corralejo Nitro-rita by Abhishek Kumar Shukla, The Corralejo Truth  by Gajendra Singh Rawat, Mexican Corralejo Dreams by Robin Thomas, Corralejo Senorita by Kuldeep Kumar and Corralejo Liquid Sushi by Sharad Arora.

The results are due out shortly and the anxiety levels are soaring, understandably. Robin Thomas, a participating bartender from Bluefrog said, “It is amazing to be part of such a national competition and I have kept my fingers crossed for the result. My creation is called Mexican Corralejo Dreams and I hope it fulfills my dream to win the trip to Mexico.”

Present at the event, Magandeep Singh said, “Tequila has long been notorious for being the fastest-downed beverage in the world but with a competition like this and a brand like Corralejo, it is time for barmen to start their shakers and give us all a reason to savour every sip of this awesome traditional drink from Mexico!”

The prelims for ‘Corralejo Technicians Mixology Challenge 2012’ will be held in 4 other cities – Pune, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata where bartenders and mixologists from various hotels and restaurants will participate.  Five finalists selected from each prelim will take part in the grand finale which will be held in Delhi on April 9. To add glamour to the occasion, Corralejo brand ambassador, Elisa Najera the current Miss Mexico will join the team in the final event.

One of the host, Sanil Manocha, CEO, Two Friends said, “I feel that this is a fantastic opportunity for connoisseurs of fine spirits to enjoy unique concoctions made from Corralejo 100 per cent. Agave Tequila; and for a lucky few people to be able to visit and experience the land of tequila – Mexico!” Debjeet Banerjee, F&B Director, The Park, New Delhi said, “Tequila has been in the sidelines for long and it is time that it took centre stage, and what better way to do than this? Corralejo has added a lot of excitement in the F&B industry with this Mixology Challenge and we are excited to be a part of it.”

The first Corralejo Tequila Technician will win a trip to visit the Corralejo distillery in Mexico and will also have his prize-winning recipe featured in the Corralejo Technic Book.