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Welcome to the Liquid Living Magazine Sangrita Challenge taking place during the 2010 SPIRITS OF MEXICO FESTIVAL in San Diego, hosted by Polished Palate LLC and sponsored by Liquid Living Magazine

JOIN US ON A JOURNEY TO SELECT THE WINNING ENTRY FOR THE 1ST SANGRITA CHALLENGE COCKTAIL CONTEST IN THE UNITED STATES.  THE SEMI-FINALS AND FINALS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. OBSERVE THE JUDGING PROCESS AND TASTE ENTRIES SUBMITTED ALONG WITH THE JUDGES TO SELECT YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE!

Caballito Stemware from Novica

ABOUT THE SANGRITA CHALLENGE

So what is Sangrita?

The "Sangrita” was born in Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico almost 60 years ago. Mr. Edmundo Sánchez was the owner of a restaurant in the tourist area of Chapala. He and his wife were known for serving delicious dishes and strong homemade tequila. To disguise the strong taste of tequila, Mr. Sánchez began mixing slices of fresh oranges, salt and powdered red chili.  The recipe became a popular drink and history took its course. Today, commonly served Sangritas are not close to the original recipe.  Some Sangritas may call for tomatoes, chilies and limes mixed with tequila or served separately in a Caballito as a chaser to Tequila, Mezcal and other spirits of Mexico. (Source: Academia Mexicana de Tequila, A.C.)

Who can enter the competition?

Only those brands participating in the 2010 Spirits of Mexico Festival may enter.

Who judges the competition?

A total of five (5) judges will include executives from within the Beverage Alcohol & Hospitality industries as well as members of the Press including Ryan Kelley, National Tequila Examiner.

Semi-Finals & Finals

The Sangrita Challenge Semi-Finals will take place on Tuesday August 17 at Chef Isabel Cruz’s (www.foodgirl.com) newest restaurant, the vibrant and energetic Barrio Star in the Bankers Hill area of San Diego (5th and Nutmeg). Five (5) Finalist entries will be selected from all entries to head to the Finals which take place on September 15 at Café Coyote in Old Town San Diego.

Consumers are invited to observe the judging during the Semi-Finals and the Finals. Each will receive every ‘nth’ sample of entries at the semi’s and all five (5) finalist entries at the Finals.  Price of admission: $25 per event.

What does the winner receive?

• $1,000 cash prize
• Award trophy and certificate
• Dinner for 2 from Café Coyote
• Dinner for 2 from Barrio Star

The winning Sangrita will be served at all 2010 Spirits of Mexico Festival events including:

• Awards Dinner, Friday September 17 at Barra Barra Saloon
• Fiesta, Saturday afternoon September 18 in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park (Plaza de las Armas area) in the Tequila Garden
• Main Event, Saturday night at the Cosmopolitan Restaurant
  
• After Party, Saturday 10PM+ at the Fiesta de Reyes Restaurant

The winning Sangrita will be featured in both consumer and trade magazines More prizes anticipated

The Finals

The Spirits of Mexico Festival officially kicks off on Wednesday Sept. 15 at Café Coyote with the Sangrita Challenge Finals in Old Town San Diego. The public is invited join in the festivities and taste each of the finalist entries

Rules & Regulations

Challenger Qualifications:

• Must be a brand participating in 2010 Spirits of Mexico
• Each brand may come up with the recipe(s) in-house or work with a selected bartender/mixlogist.
• Each brand may enter more than 1 sangrita recipe, no more than 2
• Must include at least one (1) ounce of tequila (blanco, reposado, añejo or extra añejo)
• The name of the Sangrita recipe shall not include the brand name for the Semi-Finals.
• No more than five (5) ingredients including dashes and drops, excluding garnishes
• Homemade or self-made ingredients will be counted as one (1) ingredient such as infused tequila, infused syrup and homemade juice etc.
• Any substitutions and questionable ingredients must have the approval of the host and sponsors
• Dairy products shall consist only of milk, cream and eggs
• Recipe(s) must be specified in ounces, divided respectively such as 1, 3, 5 and 1/2, 1/4 and as smallest quantities of dashes and/or drops
• Garnishes shall consist only of edible fruits, vegetables, meat or seafood
• Artificial arrangement or food-dyes shall not be allowed
• Only standard long straw, short straws, picks and stirrers are allowed
• All submissions must be the original recipes that have not been entered for any other competitions and/or have not been published in the past.

Judging Process

Judge's votes are based-upon appearance (25%), aroma (25%) and taste (50%).

If you have questions regarding the Sangrita Challenge, please contact the following:

Kim Brandi of Liquid Living Magazine at 626-377-2510 or email publisher@liquidlivingmagazine.com
and Dori Bryant at 646-298-4368 or email info@polishedpalate.com