Dalston bar Hacha has searched far and wide to find the best agave cocktails in the UK, crowning a true mezcal master this week.
The east London bar hosted a competition in celebration of Mexican Independence Day, featuring a public vote and expert judging panel.
Gemma Terry, bar manager at Bournemouth's Ojo Rojo, won the award with her cocktail Misty Morning, fending off competition from all over the country.
Terry mixed up Dangerous Don mezcal with Cocchi Di Torino, a dark chocolate liqueur, Port and a mushroom infusion.
Judges Hannah Lodge (BarChick), David Ellis (the Evening Standard), Clint Cawood (Imbibe) and Shay Waterworth (Drinks International) were on hand to critique all six finalists, choosing their top three. The overall winner was decided by a public vote.
Other cocktails in the top three were Alexander Taylor of Pennyroyal Cardiff’s Chaneque (Gem&Bolt mezcal, gin and sherry) and Andrey Schmalbach's Jinadores Sip (Casamigos mezcal and agua fresca wine). Schmalbach is a mixologist at the Westbury Hotel's Polo bar.
The three other finalists were Bruce Govia, Andrea Paleari and Brenda Santos.
Hacha will include cocktails from the competition on its menu over the coming months.
For more information head to hacha.com
