If mixing cocktails could be a sport, then Chas Williams and Rachel Wright would be the all-stars of creating the best cocktails in the Motor City! Make that the best tequila cocktails!

The Best Tequila Cocktail Recipes in Detroit

On, September 18, 2017, the two bartenders competed in Bartender Legends, a national cocktail competition. Williams and Wright’s original tequila cocktail recipes were named the best in Detroit! The competition called for participating bartenders to create their own version of the original Horseshoe Margarita. Bartenders also had to use Tequila Herradura to create a twist on a classic cocktail.

“One of the smoothest competitions I have ever been a part of. I wanted to take a drink, the frozen margarita, and elevate it.” -Chas Williams, Bartender

Tequila Herradura
Chas Williams, a Detroit-based bartender, won the 2017 Bartender Legends competition on Monday, September 18, 2017. | Photo courtesy Tequila Herradura
Tequila Herradura
Rachel Wright, a Detroit-based bartender, won the 2017 Bartender Legends competition on Monday, September 18, 2017. | Photo courtesy Tequila Herradura

Bartender Legends Gives U.S. Bartenders a Chance to Showcase Their Skills

The 2017 Bartender Legends is sponsored by Tequila Herradura. It is a national cocktail competition conducted by Liquor.com and the United States Bartenders’ Guild. The competition allows bartenders across the United States showcase their creativity and expertise through uniquely-crafted tequila cocktails.

Visit Tequila Herradura’s official website HERE!

Tequila Herradura
The 2017 Bartender Legends is sponsored by Tequila Herradura. | Photo courtesy Tequila Herradura
The 2017 Bartender Legends, sponsored by Tequila Herradura. | Photo courtesy Tequila Herradura
Tequila Herradura
Photo courtesy Tequila Herradura

Next Round: National Finale in Mexico

Williams and Wright will now move on to the next round of the Bartender Legends competition. They will compete with other winning bartenders from thirteen participating markets. This competition has some pretty sweet perks, too. Not only will Williams and Wright compete for the winning title, but the bartenders also get to experience:

  • an all-expense paid trip to historic Casa Herradura to compete in the national finale (one of Mexico’s most historic and renowned Tequila producers)
  •  a VIP distillery tour
  • receive brand education and training
  • a chance to explore popular and historic Mexico attractions.

As finalists, Williams and Wright will be given an all-expense paid trip to historic Casa Herradura, the last true tequila-producing hacienda on the planet, where they will compete in the national finale.

(From left to right) Rachel Wright and Chas Williams move on to the national finale of the Bartender Legends competition. The two won an all-expense paid trip to Casa Herradura! | Photo courtesy Tequila Herradura

 

Best of luck to Chas and Rachel at the national finale! 

 

Photo courtesy Tequila Herradura

Want the tequila cocktail recipes?

Crafted Cocktail by Chas Williams

 

Mixing Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin and shake without ice.
  2. Once the Sorbet has completely dissolved, pour into a small Tiki mug filled with Kold Draft ice.
  3. Garnish and serve with a straw.

*To make the cinnamon syrup first simmer 1 cinnamon stick in 1 cup of water for 20 minutes. Strain and dissolve equal parts sugar into the cinnamon water.
**Take the juice of a cantaloupe and add 1 ounce of lemon juice for every 16 ounces of melon juice. Combine 4 – 1 juice to sugar and freeze until firm.
***Combine 80 grams of water and 20 grams of salt.
GLASS: Small Tiki Mug
GARNISH: Edible Orchid, Black Pepper dusted Bruleed Lime Wheel
ICE: Kold Draft

Chas Williams’s winning tequila cocktail recipe was inspired by the combination of the modern movement of mixology with the expectations that the general public has for drinks over the past couple of years or so.

 

Crafted Cocktail by Chas Williams | Photo courtesy Tequila Herradura

 

Crafted Cocktail by Rachel Wright

Mixing Directions

  1. The cocktail should be shaken and double strained over a king cube.

GLASS: Large ornate rocks glass
GARNISH: Half long rim of Hawaiian black salt, orange and grapefruit express and twist, cheerio tincture spritz
ICE: King Cube

Rachel Wright’s winning tequila cocktail recipe was inspired by the flavors and scents that hold true to the city of Buffalo, New York – where she works.

 

Rachel Wright mixes her crafted cocktail at the 2017 Bartender Legends competition in Detroit. | Photo courtesy Tequila Herradura
Wright’s winning tequila cocktail recipe has inspired the flavors and scents that hold true to the city of Buffalo, New York – where she works. | Photo courtesy Tequila Herradura
Crafted Cocktail by Rachel Wright | Photo courtesy Tequila Herradura

 

Must be 21 years of age or older to drink.

Please drink responsibly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Written by

Jennifer Hamra

Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].