COCKTAIL COMPETITION
Welcome. You’re one of a limited group of San Antonio bartenders hand-selected to compete with Tequila Corrido and The Rose San Antonio for one night of craft, creativity, and a damn good pour.
Step behind the bar, build an original Tequila Corrido cocktail, and show us the story only you can tell in a glass. Judges will evaluate each cocktail through a blind tasting.
Space is limited. Bartenders must register in advance to be considered.
Registration Deadline: July 7th, 2026
EVENT DETAILS
Date: July 20th, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Rose San Antonio
420 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Guest List Capacity: 150; RSVP required
The event will be closed to the public and centered around the competition, with cocktails, appetizers, music, and a Tequila Corrido satellite bar available throughout the evening.
THE CHALLENGE
Each competing bartender will create one original Tequila Corrido cocktail and present it live for the judges.
You’ll have 8 minutes to build and present 4 cocktails total — one for each judge.
Your cocktail should be original, balanced, tequila-forward, and thoughtful enough to hold its own on a menu. Creativity is encouraged, but this should still be a drink people would want to order again.
COMPETITION FORMAT
- One competition round
- 8 minutes per bartender
- 4 cocktails total, one for each judge
- Cocktail must feature Tequila Corrido as the base spirit
- Final recipe must be submitted one week before the competition: July 13th, 2026
- Ingredients will be reviewed in advance so each station can be properly prepared
- A surprise bonus round with a secret ingredient may be added for fun with the judges
SCORING & AWARDS
HOW COCKTAILS WILL BE JUDGED
Taste & Balance
Does the cocktail drink well? Is it balanced, polished, and memorable? Does Tequila Corrido come through clearly?
Creativity & Concept
Does the cocktail have a point of view? Is there a story, name, ingredient choice, or technique that makes it feel original?
Presentation & Delivery
Does it look intentional? Does the garnish, glassware, and presentation support the cocktail? Can you sell the story behind the drink?
SCORING:
Taste & Balance: 40 points
Creativity & Concept: 30 points
Presentation & Delivery: 30 points
THREE WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED AT THE END OF THE COMPETITION:
Best Overall Cocktail
1st place Prize: $500
For the cocktail that brings it all together — taste, balance, creativity, presentation, and menu potential.
Most Creative Cocktail
2nd Place Prize: $250
For the bartender who brings the most original concept, unexpected build, or distinct point of view.
Best Presentation
3rd Place Prize: $250
For the bartender who delivers the strongest visual presentation, storytelling, and overall stage presence.
REGISTER TO COMPETE
ENTER TODAYFAQ
Cocktail Submission Deadline
All participating bartenders must submit their final cocktail recipe by July 13th, 2026 to Edna "Cecy" Castro at edna@ilovetequilacorrido.com
This helps us prepare each station with the right ingredients, tools, and setup so you can focus on the drink.
Your recipe submission should include:
- Cocktail name
- Tequila Corrido expression used
- Full ingredient list
- Measurements
- Garnish
- Glassware
- Preparation method
- Any specialty prep, syrups, infusions, or batching notes
- Any special tools or ingredients needed
Cocktails should be built with real service in mind. Creative presentation is welcome, but recipes may need to be adjusted slightly based on ingredient availability, glassware, station setup, or event flow.
Send your final recipe via email to Cecy Castro >> cecy@ilovetequilacorrido.com
What to Expect
A full room. A good bar. A little pressure. A lot of tequila.
Guests can expect:
- Live cocktail competition
- Tequila Corrido satellite bar
- Appetizers
- Water and coffee station
- Event kits for attendees
- Music throughout The Rose
- Photo and social moments
- Judging, awards, and winner announcements
The Rose and Tequila Corrido teams will support event flow, station resets, barbacks, door check-in, and overall hospitality.
Important Details
- Participants must be 21+.
- Bartenders must be confirmed in advance to compete.
- Final recipes are due one week before the event.
- Each bartender will have 8 minutes to create and present 4 cocktails.
- Tequila Corrido must be the featured spirit.
- Participants should arrive on time and ready to compete.
- Additional event details, timing, and station information will be shared with confirmed competitors.
Bringing Guests
Competing bartenders will receive a separate digital guest invitation to share with friends, supporters, industry contacts, and bar teams.
Guest RSVPs will be capped to keep the room intentional. Once the RSVP list reaches capacity, additional guests may be placed on a waitlist.
