Hacha reveals cocktail contest winners

London agaveria Hacha has crowned Nathan Price and Max Hayward as the winners of Britain’s Best Tequila and Mezcal Cocktail 2023 competitions.

Price, of Liverpool’s Burnt Milk Hotel, won the Tequila gong for his ‘Reforma’ cocktail that was made with Patrón Silver, toasted paella rice syrup, fino Sherry and rhubarb bitters.

Hayward, meanwhile, of Cardiff’s Lab 22 took top honours for mezcal; titled ‘Miles Away’, his victorious creation comprised of passion fruit-infused Del Maguey Mezcal Vida, Aperol, Mexican chenin blanc, roasted pineapple juice, and mezcal pineapple and passionfruit jelly.

More than 60 bartenders took part in the competition organised by Hacha’s co-founders, Emma Murphy and Deano Moncrieffe, now in its fourth year. 

With the entrants cut down to just 12, a panel of judges – made up of figures from the drinks industry – alongside Murphy, Moncrieffe, members of the drinks trade and Hacha’s friends and family, sampled the top two serves from both categories and came to their decision. 

On the whole, the contest was more about the entire agave spirits category – rather than singling out brands – as to widen the scope for finding the very best Tequila and mezcal cocktail in the UK.

For their triumph, Price and Maynard’s drinks will take up residence on both Hacha menus for a year, in Brixton and Dalston; and the two will also receive a trip to visit one of The World’s 50 Best Bars; an agave-inspired trophy; the opportunity to host a takeover at Hacha with their winning brands, Patrón and Del Maguey; and a first edition copy of The Tequila Ambassador by the late Tomas Estes.

Earlier this year, Hacha was nominated in the top 10 for Best International Restaurant Bar – Europe at Spirited Awards 2023.