On April 28, Cardenxe Sotol held its third annual cocktail competition at the Georgia Room in New York City. This year’s theme, “Catalysts of Deep Emotions,” invited bartenders to explore the feelings behind their craft. Competitors were encouraged to share personal stories and the emotions that inspired their drinks.
Esteemed Panel of Judges
A diverse panel evaluated the finalists’ creations:
Jonathan Adler, Beverage Director at Shinji’s
Estelle Bossy, Beverage Director at LeRock
Sondre Kasin, Bar Director at Cote/Coqadaq
Tom Richter, Consultant for Gallo’s Premium Spirits
Josh Craig, Artist and Cocktail Connoisseur
Tim McKirdy, Editor-in-Chief of VinePair
Each bartender first prepared their cocktail for the judges. They then staffed a separate bar station for 15 minutes, where attendees sampled and scored the drinks.
Awards and Winners
Founder Luigi Ambrosi and co-founder Nitzan Podoswa presented three awards:
Social Media Award: Emily Harkins of Rosevale Cocktail Room
People’s Choice Award: Naeem Kama for her “Desert Martini”
Judges’ First Prize: Leaha Brewer of Thyme Bar for “Windsong”
Brewer’s Windsong won a trip to Mexico, the birthplace of sotol. Her cocktail honored identity, emotion, and Appalachian roots. She used dandelions, sour corn, and folk songs to symbolize resilience, release, and duality.
A Milestone Celebration
“For us, the cocktail competition is so special every year because it celebrates the New York bartending industry,” said Luigi Ambrosi. “It also falls on our anniversary, which makes it even more meaningful.”
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