We Ask Angela Wood, Winner of Paint the Town Mango Cocktail Competition About I Shotta the Sheriff cocktail.

Paint the Town Mango Cocktail Competition

Mango Shotta, mango and jalapeño flavored tequila, spices things up at Tales.

After an exciting journey of creativity and competition, the winner of the Paint the Town Mango Cocktail Competition hosted by Mango Shotta and Chilled Media was crowned. Angela Wood with her winning cocktail I Shotta the Sheriff and winning shooter, Sizzle and Spice spiced out the competition during a live event at this year’s Tales of the Cocktail in NOLA.

We ask Angela to discuss the creative process behind her I Shotta the Sheriff cocktail.

Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind your winning cocktails?

I Shotta the Sheriff, is all about combining classic flavors with a modern twist. My inspiration is from the timeless elegance of a New Orleans style cocktail, but I wanted to create something that could stand out against the current trends and flavors. The cocktail was inspired by the rich history of New Orleans, a city famed for its vibrant cocktail culture and the classic Sazerac cocktail. By adding Sazerac Rye, the drink pays homage to the traditional Sazerac, while Mango Shotta introduces a contemporary twist, infusing the drink with a tropical, exotic flair that contrasts beautifully with the whiskey’s spiciness. The idea was to create a cocktail that honors traditional sophistication while incorporating fresh, innovative elements. It’s a blend of old and new, coming together with the aim of delivering a balanced and memorable drinking experience.

What was your creative process like in developing your cocktail? Did you face any challenges?

The creative process for me often starts with a concept or theme. In the case of a cocktail featuring Mango Shotta, it was important to me to find out where this product has history, and it being a Sazerac product out of New Orleans provided a solid foundation for creativity.  That’s exactly when I knew I would be creating my cocktail with both ingredients.

One of the main challenges was to achieve a balanced flavor profile. Too much mango might overpower the rye, while too little might make the cocktail too harsh, and I would lose the profile of the featured ingredient. So, the key was to adjust quantities and introduce additional elements like citrus, amaro, and Luxardo to refine the balance while still following the requirements of the competition. In the end, I was surprised at how well it all went together, and I genuinely LOVE my cocktail.

How did you incorporate Mango Shotta into your cocktail in an innovative way?

The cocktail combines the traditional spiciness of rye whiskey with tropical mango and jalapeño, an unexpected pairing that creates a complex taste experience. The addition of lemon juice and amaro bridges the gap between the sweet mango and the bold rye, while Luxardo adds an extra layer of sophistication. Creating a blended cocktail with a mango-jalapeno tequila, and a robust rye was innovative, in my opinion.

What advice can you give aspiring bartenders who would like to enter cocktail competitions?

It is extremely important to read the competition guidelines carefully and to understand the theme, ingredient restrictions, time limits, and judging criteria. Craft a compelling story or concept behind your cocktail. This helps engage judges and makes your entry memorable. Be clear and confident when presenting. Explain the inspiration, ingredients, and preparation method. Also, show enthusiasm for your creation. Passion and knowledge can make a strong impression. Practice making your cocktail multiple times to ensure consistency in taste, presentation, and technique before creating it live in front of the panel. Focus on the visual appeal of your drink. The right glassware, garnish, and pouring technique can make a significant difference.

Choose garnishes that complement the cocktail and enhance its visual appeal. Think about color, texture, and how they fit with the overall theme. Stay updated on cocktail trends, techniques, and new ingredients. Don’t be afraid to experiment and push boundaries! Innovation often comes from trying new things and taking creative risks. But make sure it makes sense. Everything must have a cohesive place from beginning to end. And be ready to explain that so that your judges can understand and experience your vision clearly and nothing is lost in translation.

How will winning this competition impact your career?

Winning a competition brings recognition from peers, industry leaders, and the media. It positions you as a standout talent in the bartending world and can significantly impact your career by enhancing your visibility, credibility, and opportunities within the industry. It provides a platform to advance your professional journey, expand your network, and pursue new and exciting career paths. With that being said, I am ready for these opportunities!

Share a memorable moment during the competition that stood out to you.

One particularly memorable moment from a cocktail competition that stands out to me was the moment I saw the judges’ reactions to my final presentation. After weeks of preparation, the day of the competition arrived. The venue was buzzing with energy as the four other bartenders from around the nation showcased their creations. I had carefully crafted my cocktail, with a story that tied together the traditional and the modern.  When it was finally my turn, I stepped up to the presentation area, heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves.

As I prepared the cocktail, I could feel the eyes of the judges on me, observing every move. As I finished making the drink and placed it in front of the judges, I took a deep breath and began to explain the inspiration behind the cocktail. I shared the story of how I wanted to blend the classic spirit of New Orleans with a modern twist using Mango Shotta and blending it with Sazerac Rye and my other ingredients to create a fusion of history. One that has been long, and one that has just begun, to create a cocktail that can be served and respected beside its predecessors.

The most memorable part was the judges’ reaction as they took their first sips. Their eyes lit up with surprise and delight. One judge commented on the perfect balance. Another noted how the Luxardo added a subtle layer that tied everything together beautifully. Seeing their positive reactions and hearing their compliments was incredibly gratifying. It encapsulated all the hard work and creativity that went into preparing for the competition. It was a validation of the effort, experimentation, and passion that had gone into crafting the cocktail. That connection with the judges, where they appreciated and enjoyed the cocktail, made all the preparation and anticipation worth it.

What will you take away from this experience?

Winning the Mango Shotta cocktail competition at the Tales event in New Orleans, has been a transformative experience for me. It’s a validation of my skills and creativity, showing that my unique approach to mixology resonates with industry experts. This win not only boosts my confidence but will also open exciting opportunities for collaborations and future events. The competition also provided invaluable networking opportunities, allowing me to connect with influential leaders who can contribute to my continued growth.

On a personal level, it has been a journey of getting to know myself, revealing strengths I hadn’t fully realized and teaching me resilience under pressure. This victory gives me a platform to influence and inspire others, whether through mentorship, sharing my story, or advocating for important causes. Additionally, being part of such a high-caliber event has exposed me to new ideas and trends, fueling my creativity and inspiring future innovations in my craft. I am so grateful for Chilled Magazine. This is my second national competition win and I never knew how much opportunity was out there until I joined this community.