The Espolon Cocktail Fights took place at Will’s Pub (1042 N Mills Ave, Orlando, Florida 32803). Six of Orlando’s best bartenders went head to head with six of Tampa best bartenders in a no holds bared showdown for the title of the most creative cocktail. The winner of this evenings competition would go on to compete in New York City in the semi- finals and then possibly move on tho the finals in Mexico.
Competing bartenders each took on the persona of a Mexican wrestler. Million Dollar Dan (Daniel Messina) from Orlando entered the competition as a braggart who threw play money at the howling audience. Perhaps the most flamboyant competitor was El Serpiente (Jacob Ceciro) from Tampa, who claimed he could tame any serpent, but is drink was rather lack luster. Other competitors from Orlando were, Red Feather (Robyn Conen), Quetzal the Great (Felix Fernandez), Finger Guns (Sean Sheenan), and El Lobo Gris (Jeremy Hazmier).
Tampa competitors were bused to the event and I imagine they were already a bit tipsy before they got to Orlando. There was just one female competitor in the line up and she was Foxxy Lady (Linaris Santiago-Wright) who had long red eye lashes, and a feather boa. She won every round to become the champion of Orlando and Tampa.
The hosts did a good job of keeping the energy up in the room. Samples of each drink were available for tasting. Some were spicy hot and the serpents was like poison. Judges sat in front of the stage to sample each concoction. One round had all the competitors each prepare margaritas while one hand is behind their back in a boxing glove. It might have been fun to see the bartenders compete with both hands in boxing gloves. The final rounds had a giant table of ingredients and the competitors had to select their ingredients and prepare a drink while working against the clock.