New Haven’s Elm City Social, in collaboration with Martignetti Companies and Campari America, hosted a cocktail competition featuring Espolòn Tequila on Oct. 28. Eight local bartenders created their best cocktails using Espolòn Tequila as their base spirit for the judging panel: Ben Fuller, Spirits and Cocktail Specialist, Skurnik Wines & Spirits; Bryce Wade, BAR; and Michela Zurstadt, Gioia. The winners were first place: Sam Reyes, Mariposa Taqueria; second place: Sam Taft, The Anchor Spa; and third place: Mike Dempsey, The Owl Shop. Bartenders re-created their cocktails for a second round with votes from the audience. The People’s Choice Winner was Celina Ponder, 1928 Cocktail Club.
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- Elm City Social, in collaboration with Martignetti Companies and Campari America, hosted a cocktail competition featuring Espolòn Tequila on Oct. 28.
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- Espolòn Tequila was showcased at the Oct. 28 cocktail competition.
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- Back Row: Competitors Josh Clark, Mecha Noodle Bar; Dave Bermudez, Sienna Ristorante; People’s Choice Winner Celina Ponder, 1928 Cocktail Club; First-place winner Sam Reyes, Mariposa Taqueria; Jake Melvin, Olives and Oil; and Ricky Pietruska, Sherkaan Indian Street Food. Front Row: Second-place winner Sam Taft, The Anchor Spa and Third-place winner Mike Dempsey, The Owl Shop.
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- Competition judges Ben Fuller, Spirits and Cocktail Specialist, Skurnik Wines & Spirits; Bryce Wade, BAR; and Michela Zurstadt, Gioia.
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- Event Emcee Deon Ross, General Manager, Olives and Oil.
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- First-place winner Sam Reyes, Mariposa Taqueria.
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- Reyes’ winning cocktail, Meet Me at the Alter.
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- Second-place winner Sam Taft, The Anchor Spa.
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- Third-place winner Mike Dempsey, The Owl Shop.
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- People’s Choice Winner Celina Ponder, 1928 Cocktail Club.
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- Competitor Jake Melvin, Olives and Oil.
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- Competitor David Bermudez, Sienna Ristorante.
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- Competitor Josh Clark, Mecha Noodle Bar.
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- Competitor Ricky Pietruska, Sherkaan Indian Street Food.
Photos 3-7 courtesy of Gary Dritschler, Campari America.
