Recuerdo and Zignum Cocktail Competition Champions enjoy Magical Mexican Mezcal Trip
Following the highly successful, inaugural Zignum and Recuerdo mezcal cocktail competitions last summer run by Love Drinks in conjunction with Barlife, the two talented champions Zach Sapato and Ellie Raeside enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime trip taking in Oaxaca and Mexico City earlier this month.
Zach Sapato from Absent Ear in Glasgow and Ellie Raeside from Hoot the Redeemer in Edinburgh, along with a Love Drinks posse made up of MD Samantha Burke and judges Jamie MacDonald and Simon Webster, flew out on the 30th October and arrived back on the 5th November.
In addition to being provided with the ultimate educational trip to immerse themselves in the miraculous world of mezcal and the company behind Zignum and Recuerdo – Mezcales Casa Armando – the group were also in town for the country’s famous Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca.
When not finding out about the intricacies of mezcal and guzzling the special liquor (responsibly of course), the group also visited the ancient Monte Albán civilisation and feasted on Mexico’s moreish cuisine at some of the country’s best restaurants and street food vendors.
To finish the trip in style, the party were treated to a night out in Mexico City, where they imbibed at some of the leading bars, including Limantour, currently rated number four in the World’s 50 Best Bars list.
Ellie Raeside said: “It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and trip! We got to delve into Mexican culture with food and festivities, which was so amazing to be a part of. The Day of the Dead was a serious highlight, the costumes and face paint (maybe not my own) were unreal! Seeing the beauty of how mezcal is created was brilliant too, from the tradition to the progression of today, it’s an amazing process! I’d go back in a second and can’t thank Love Drinks enough for the experience.
Samantha Burke, MD at Love Drinks, commented: “The team at Mezcales Casa Armando truly outdid themselves so we can’t thank them enough for their hospitality and for organising such a full, fun and immersive trip. It was a real honour and joy to spend time with Zach and Ellie and give them a first-hand view of the company’s passion for mezcal and Mexico as a whole. We’re already working on and are excited about next year’s competition, as it is going to be even bigger and better so stay tuned for announcements.”
About Love Drinks
Love Drinks is an independent import, distribution and marketing company for premium quality spirits, liqueurs and craft beers. Their portfolio represents quality, craft-distilled and family-owned brands that have a rich provenance, heritage and history.
Founded by Kirsty Loveday BEM in 2007, Love Drinks represent Abelha Organic Cachaça, The Bitter Truth Cocktail Range of Bitters and Liqueurs, Conker, Einstök Icelandic Craft Beers, Goslings Bermuda Rums, Hernö Gins, Pedrino Spritz, The Ikigai Collection from Japan, White Heron Drinks and the El Recuerdo and ZIGNUM® Mezcal Brands.
Love Drinks holds the silver accreditation for Investors in People and recently launched Love Well – a pioneering initiative to help the health and wellbeing of people working in the hospitality industry. The company was named Drinks Business Drinks Distributor of the Year in 2019.
For more information visit www.lovedrinks.com or follow on Facebook – @lovedrinksltd – Instagram – @love_drinks_ltd or Twitter – @Love_Drinks. To speak to someone, call 0207 501 9630.
