Bacardi cocktail competition shakes it up

Nightlife Contributor Jarrod Fresquez enjoys the Bacardi experience | photos Jarrod Fresquez

Bacardi cocktail competition shakes it up 
by Jarrod Fresquez

This past Monday evening BACARDĺ rum hosted the USBG Legacy Cocktail Showcase at the W Hotel. Thirteen mixologists were chosen from some of Dallas’ best night spots, known for their craft cocktails, to compete and be judged on their unique rum-based libations’ balance, flavor, quality of ingredients and aesthetic appeal, as well as their enduring popularity and the story behind them. As a kicker, two winners will have the opportunity to participate in the national showcase for the chance to represent the US in the global showcase in April.

I stepped off the elevator onto the 33rd floor and entered into a wide open expanse of white floors, white leather furniture and mirrored mosaic walls. Uplit Bacardi bottles were in abundance, and you couldn’t look anywhere without seeing their logo, a black free-tailed bat emblazoned on a vibrant bed of red ringed in gold. Off to one side was a branded ice sculpture sitting atop the buffet, and at the end of the room was the 30 foot bar backed by shelves upon shelves of the Cuban elixir. Tucked away in the corner was a photo booth, which seems to have become a welcome staple at parties now. The best part was that the entire nighttime skyline acted as the backdrop, viewed through the floor to ceiling windows running along the entire far wall. The centerpiece of this event though was the stand-alone bar where the competition would take place.

Jarrod Fresquez takes on the Hornitos Tequila challenge to 'Never Sleep in Dallas'

Jarrod Fresquez and Playmate of the Year Raquel Pomplun

Never Sleep in Dallas
Why Hornitos is not just any tequila, at not just any party.
by Jarrod Fresquez

I got a request from Oh So last week. An email had hit her in-box that said, "Join us at an unforgettable private event, curated for local Dallas bartenders and local media.  It will be hosted by 2013 Playboy Playmate of the Year, Raquel Pomplun, and feature a tasting of the Hornitos Tequila portfolio. Guests will also have an exclusive first look at Hornitos® Black Barrel®, a yet-to-be released premium tequila (coming March 2014)."   Is it a compliment that after reading the event description,  Cynthia IMMEDIATELY thought of me to go in her stead? I took it as such and was more than happy to represent OSC at this soiree!

Hey, never let it be said I don't spread the love to my friends - interjects OSC Editor, Cynthia Smoot

On Monday night I took Uber over to 129 Leslie Street, a Wendy Krispin event space on the border of the Design District. Pulling up into the valet area, the front of the building was washed in green lights with velvet ropes directing the patrons to the front door to get their names checked off the list for admittance into this rather exclusive event.

A giant 10 foot tall Playboy logo with a Hornitos caption was splashed on the wall next to the front door, and that’s the image imprinted in my mind’s eye before walking into a wall of dance music and flashing lights. Before my eyes and ears could adjust, two beautiful women approached me in leather little black dresses and handed me a tiny tumbler of the Hornitos Lime Shot. I took a sip and a refreshing mixture of tequila, lime and a dash of salt all hit my taste buds at the same time. The night was off to a perfect start!