London plays host to a New York rumble this Sunday – but forget thoughts of the Jets and Sharks. The battle will take place between some of the capital's top mixologists, who'll be shaking it up to see who makes the best margarita.
More than 15 specially selected bars and restaurants will hope to see their recipe chosen as numero uno at the inaugural Margarita Rumble, a celebration of the iconic Mexican cocktail organised by New York-based Craft Hospitality and staged at The Yard in Shoreditch.
Several days before judging begins, competition is already fierce.
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"We are extremely excited," says Carlos Londono of Cafe Pacifico, laying down the gauntlet to his rival cocktail-shakers, who include tequila experts from London favourites Wahaca, DF/Mexico, the Alchemist, Tonteria and El Patron. "We have been making margaritas for 35 years at Cafe Pacifico and this is a great opportunity to celebrate our tradition with other bars and restaurants.
"We will be making a margarita called Pasion Tradicional, with fresh ingredients such as passion fruit, lime and vanilla, infused with 100 per cent agave Jose Cuervo Tradicional Tequila as well as our homemade three-citrus and vanilla bitters. It's finished with ginger soda, chilli salt and a twist for tequila lovers."
Traditional music from Mariachi el Mexicano will help proceedings go with a swing, along with dancing Day of the Dead skeletons and music from Boiler Room DJs. In addition, Michelin-starred chef James Cochran, of BYOC in Soho and EC3 in Aldgate, will be rustling up some innovative meat and vegetarian nibbles to make your tastebuds go loco, while masterclasses from sponsor Jose Cuervo will let you continue the fiesta at home.
The competition is split into three rounds, with ticket-holders able to sample each recipe over a two-hour session – VIP tickets get you an extra hour – and then vote for their favourite. The winner will be named in the last 15 minutes of the final session.
Best of all – the next day is a bank holiday, so you can fiesta like there's no manana.
Margarita Rumble, The Yard, 89½ Worship St, London; 12pm-8:45pm Sunday 30 April.londonmargaritarumble.com/ Tickets: VIP early access £55; general admission £35, available from londonmargarita.com/buytickets/
