The Ocho Tequila Competition is Back
By Francine Cohen

While the literal translation of sangrita is “little blood”, for many drinkers looking for a tequila accompaniment (or a morning after cure), sangrita is a delicious Mexican blood transfusion. The traditional Jaliscan partner to a fine Tequila, and a great palate reviver, is, in its most traditional form a recipe that calls for tomato juice, orange juice, lime juice, and a spicy element, either hot sauce or fresh or dried chilis.

Tequila Ocho and the Bon Vivants believe Sangrita is much more than that. For them Sangrita is a seamless blending of tart, sweet, spicy, and savory. They say, “When made with love, imagination, and paired with the right tequila, it becomes a ritual, and is a transcendent drink experience. We believe this pairing is the best way to enjoy Tequila Ocho.”

The brand and the gentlemen of Bon Vivants (and the lovely Ivy Mix) charge you with this exquisite task: Craft your finest, original, thought and palate provoking Sangrita to pair with one of the 3 Tequila Ocho expressions currently available in your market.

The guidelines: You are not restricted to the traditional recipes for Sangrita. Rather, we encourage you to think outside the box. Be innovative, while using the parameter of the collective, tart, sweet, spicy, and savory as your only guideline. Regional contests will be held this year in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and Boston with the finals being held in New Orleans. Use your imagination and technique, and you may find yourself as a regional finalist, or better, as a national finalist.

The prize: The VIVA SANGRITA! National Champion will be escorted south, to the highlands of Jalisco, to visit the home of Tequila Ocho and experience all this amazing spirit has to offer, in the place of its birth.

The fine print: PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR RECIPES TO – www.vivasangrita.com Submission deadline is 12am PST on April 7th 2012.