From Mezcal to Magic: What I Learned Winning the Bar Hermanita Competition
The moment they announced my name as the winner of the Bar Hermanita Sun and Moon competition, I realized something profound: great cocktails aren't just about following recipes, they're about having the courage to reimagine classics and push creative boundaries.
The Challenge: Tequila Where It Doesn't Belong
When I first heard the competition brief, I knew this was going to test everything I'd learned behind the bar: Create a cocktail with tequila that is not normally made with tequila.
Most bartenders would play it safe. Take a margarita variation. Stick close to what works. But with two years of craft cocktail experience and a runner-up finish at the Dia de los Milagro competition under my belt, I was ready to take a risk.
I was ready to create the Titan's Ember.
The Inspiration: Deconstructing a Classic
I've always loved the Vieux Carré, that bold, complex New Orleans classic that marries rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and bitters into something greater than the sum of its parts. It's sophisticated, layered, and unapologetically spirit-forward.
But here's the question that kept me up at night: What if I could capture that same complexity and depth using tequila?
Not just substitute tequila for whiskey and call it a day. That's lazy. I wanted to honor the structure of the Vieux Carré while creating something entirely new, something that showcased tequila's versatility beyond the expected margarita or paloma.
The Build: Layering Complexity
The Titan's Ember became my answer. Here's how I built it:
The Spirit Foundation
I used both Astral Blanco and Reposado tequila. The blanco brought bright, agave-forward notes while the reposado added oak, vanilla, and that subtle caramel complexity that echoed the cognac in the original Vieux Carré.
The Bitters
Orange bitters provided the classic citrus backbone, but I needed something that would bridge the gap between tequila's agave character and the cocktail's overall profile. Enter cilantro - lime bitters from Woodster Bitters, a game-changer that brought herbaceous brightness and tied everything together with a distinctly Latin American twist.
The Secret Weapon: Pineapple-Cilantro Shrub
Here's where the magic happened. Instead of sweet vermouth, I crafted a pineapple-cilantro shrub from scratch.
This wasn't just a substitution, it was an elevation. The shrub brought:
Acidity from the vinegar base that balanced the spirits
Tropical sweetness from pineapple that complemented tequila's natural fruit notes
Herbaceous complexity from cilantro that reinforced the bitters and added depth
A level of complexity that vermouth simply couldn't achieve in this context
Lesson learned: Sometimes the best way to honor a classic is to completely reimagine one of its core components.
The Testing Process: Refinement Through Repetition
I spent days in my home bar testing ratios, adjusting the shrub's sweetness, and fine-tuning the bitters balance. Every version was tasted, critiqued, and refined, the same process I use now for every client at The Cocktail Craftsman.
The shrub alone went through multiple iterations:
Too much vinegar? Overpowering.
Not enough cilantro? Lost the herbaceous bridge.
Pineapple too sweet? Threw off the entire balance.
But when I finally nailed it, when that first perfect sip hit my palate, I knew I had something special.
Competition Day: Confidence in Creativity
Standing behind that bar with judges watching, I wasn't nervous. I was excited.
Because I'd done the work. I'd tested the recipe dozens of times. I understood every flavor note, every interaction between ingredients, every reason behind each choice.
As I built the Titan's Ember, I explained my thought process:
Why tequila could handle the complexity traditionally carried by whiskey and cognac
How the pineapple-cilantro shrub elevated the cocktail beyond a simple substitution
Why the cilantro lime bitters were the perfect bridge between old world and new
The judges didn't just taste a drink. They experienced a thesis on tequila's versatility.
The Win: Validation of a Philosophy
Winning the Bar Hermanita Sun and Moon competition validated something I'd always believed: the best cocktails come from respecting tradition while fearlessly innovating.
The Titan's Ember worked because it:
Honored the structure and spirit of the Vieux Carré
Showcased tequila in an unexpected, sophisticated context
Introduced a house-made component (the shrub) that added genuine complexity
Told a story that connected classic cocktail culture with modern Latin American flavors
That philosophy became the foundation for The Cocktail Craftsman.
What This Means for Your Next Event
The same creative approach that won me that competition is what I bring to every client consultation:
✨ Fearless Innovation – Your event deserves cocktails that surprise and delight
✨ Technical Excellence – Every recipe is tested and perfected before it reaches your guests
✨ Custom Components – House-made shrubs, syrups, and bitters that elevate complexity
✨ Storytelling Through Flavor – Each cocktail tells a story that reflects your celebration
The Lessons That Shaped My Craft
Looking back on creating the Titan's Ember, here's what I carry forward:
Challenge Assumptions – Tequila isn't just for margaritas; classics can be reimagined
Test Relentlessly – The first version is never the final version
House-Made Matters – Custom components like shrubs add layers store-bought ingredients can't match
Respect the Structure – Innovation works best when it honors what came before
Confidence Comes from Preparation – Master your craft so thoroughly that competition becomes performance
Your Turn to Experience Award-Winning Craft
Whether you're planning an intimate engagement party or a luxury celebration, you deserve cocktails crafted with the same passion, precision, and creativity that wins competitions.
That's exactly what The Cocktail Craftsman delivers, custom cocktail experiences featuring unique recipes, house-made components, and unexpected flavor combinations that transform your event from ordinary to unforgettable.
Ready to bring award-winning cocktail craft to your next celebration?
Let's create something as bold and memorable as the Titan's Ember. Because your event deserves more than standard drinks, it deserves cocktails that tell a story. Contact me today to get the process started.
About The Cocktail Craftsman
Mark Frietch is the founder of The Cocktail Craftsman, offering custom cocktail crafting services for private events nationwide. With competition wins including the Bar Hermanita Sun and Moon competition, years of craft cocktail experience, and a passion for innovation, Mark creates unique cocktail experiences that set celebrations apart.
