Pierre Trempe, Canadian founder of Made With Love, started this project after assisting a mixology event a few years back while working in the cosmetics industry; there he saw all the enthusiasm of passionate mixologists who put all their energy and creativity into their craft.
Today, Made With Love produces over 16 events every year, spreading its love by the charms of Mexico and Pierre's love for Mexican culture, and the drinking scene culture. The contest has its roots set in Canada, and only these two countries have had the privilege of enjoying this amazing event, but the United States will get a taste of it in 2015.
Puerto Vallarta's attendance expectancy is of approximately 400 people, very low in comparison with the over 1,200 attendees at every event in Canada, so we have some work to do in Vallarta to reach those numbers, should be fun!
Preconception of Drinks
Made With Love is all about educating people about the mixology culture, and not to be mistaken for the encouragement of alcohol abuse.
Nowadays, when mentioning "drinks," the first idea that usually comes to mind is drinking alcohol in excess, rather than the culture of drinking and enjoying the actual taste and moment that comes with a drink.
When asked about this preconception and how it relates to the event, Pierre was very clear in stating "it's the opposite" and explained the ideal behind it: "Drink less, drink better." Made With Love's spirit, in the words of Pierre is that of "a nice creation, tasting it and drinking it for the taste of it, and the creativity behind it, compared to when you go to an open bar to take shots, this is all about the creation so it's very, very… drink less, drink better."
Mixology and Mexican Culture
This is the second year that the event takes place in Puerto Vallarta, but why did Pierre choose Bahia de Banderas of all places? Mexico already celebrates several mixology contests on a yearly basis, and Puerto Vallarta already has a mixology culture set in. Pierre mentioned that the richness of the place can also be spread through pictures, because all of the many people following the event and those that are lucky to participate in the celebration can join in and have a little more "Southern flavor," while showing how fun it is to be at Bahia de Banderas.
This competition also happens in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. "I love Mexico," Pierre says, and it shows in his playful eyes, full of energy and admiration for this country. "This is one of the reasons why I wanted to do it here".
The Raicilla Influence Is Everywhere
This strong mezcal is getting more popular every day. "We don't have it at all in Canada, we have a little bit of mezcal, a lot of tequila, tequila is trending right now, it's getting bigger and bigger," but what everyone can relate to is how appreciated it is. "I love it, it's crazy, it's very strong."
Expectations For The Event
You can expect very fresh drinks, beautiful garnishes, tasty, long drinks, and a lot of creativity, the type of drink you enjoy here in Puerto Vallarta. According to Pierre, in Canada, the competitor's drinks are "a bit more dry, what dominates them is predominantly alcohol with bitter notes and some syrup. The drinks showcased here are long drinks because the weather makes people more thirsty."
Jorge Casarin, The Mastermind Behind Puerto Vallarta's Made With Love
Jorge Casarin, owner of "La Ingrata" is the Co-Producer of the event in Puerto Vallarta, this is his first year. He became involved after his business won the contest last year in what Jorge considers "the only real bartender contest in Mexico." Commonly, contests are judged by a few experts and a few drinks are prepared for them. On the other hand, we have Made With Love, where hundreds of drinks are to be prepared at the same time while the mixologists are also tending to attendees needs and questions. Contestants actually have to be bartenders during the event with the mixology knowledge behind them to make it a success, never forgetting the flair that should be imprinted on every sip, and every served drink.
Colorful, Fresh and Very Creative
12 drinks, 12 competitors, 4 months of preparation after the qualifier contest, and all of them are ready for tonight. We will see the results during tonight's main event, which will be complete with catering and a DJ "Celebrating the Puerto Vallarta Culture."
