Tasting Tequila Herradura

Tequila Herradura traveled from the distiller in Jalisco, Mexico to Chicago, Illinois to be spotlighted in a heated bartender competition on Feb 20.

It fitting that the tequila, that means horseshoe in English, was going to be lucky for two winners that would earn a trip to Mexico by the end of the event.

The Tank on the ground level of the Chicago Athletic Association held a nice sized crowd of attendees who sampled 10 different bartenders concoctions. Each person was given one token to vote for crowd favorite.

Some of them threw in too much and made them complicated. The simplicity of Lauren Melvin from DMK Supper Club's margarita had me at "Hola!"

Then along came Drake Perez from Lucha Cantina with a tajin rub on the shot rim. It was perfect along with his outgoing personality and laid back style. His suggestion on using the rub with watermelon drinks made my mouth water. He went on to do well as a finalist finally taking home the fan favorite award and swag bag. Why is Lucha Cantina so far away in Rockford? That feels almost like Mexico!

The DJ spun some great tunes, many of 45 records and apps provided by the venue were delicious, especially those pork empanadas.

Five finalists competed in front of a judging panel of three restauranteers. While it was hard to hear the critiques with all the partying and quiet sound system, it was still fun to watch. Many of the bartenders went all out with sild garnishes and flaming fruits. The two winners of trips to compete more in Mexico were Jarmel Doss from The Office at the Aviary and Egor Polonskiy from Untitled Supper Club.

It was time for a siesta after too much tequila and fun that night.

Look for more about this smooth brand at www.herradura.com.