Recuerdo and Zignum Cocktail Competition Winners Enjoy Magical Mezcal Trip in Mexico

Following the highly successful, inaugural Zignum and Recuerdo mezcal cocktail competitions earlier this summer, our two talented winners and a Love Drinks posse to keep them company arrived back in the UK on the 5^th November after an incredible prize trip to Mexico.

The winners – Zach Sapato from Absent Ear in Glasgow and Ellie Raeside from Hoot the Redeemer in Edinburgh – along with our MD Samantha Burke and judges Jamie MacDonald and Simon Webster, were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime trip across Oaxaca and Mexico City.

In addition to being provided with the ultimate educational trip to immerse themselves in the magical world of mezcal and the company behind Zignum and Recuerdo – 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.

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.”

Ellie Raeside said:

“It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience 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!”