Congratulations to the Top Ten Semi-Finalists in the Novo Fogo Brazilian Cocktail Challenge

Chilled Magazine and Novo Fogo invited bartenders to submit cocktails in a couple of categories symbolized by two of Brazil’s most beloved musical genres:

SAMBA: tropical, bright, loud, and joyous reflections of Brazil’s alegria!

BOSSA NOVA: harmonious, suave, and spirit-forward compositions!

Congratulations to these 10 brilliant Semi-Finalist bartenders whose cocktails showcase the versatility of Novo Fogo Cachaças!

Stay tuned over the next few weeks—Chilled will post videos of these TEN (10) Semi-Finalists creating their cocktails, competing for a chance to win cash prizes and an all-expense paid trip to Novo Fogo’s distillery in Brazil!

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Emilio Salehi, San Francisco, CA

“Agua de Beber” | Bossa Nova

Bar Strength Cachaça, Liquid Alchemist Passionfruit Syrup, cucumber juice, Mommenpop Makrut Lime Aperitif, lime juice – clarified

 

Joseph Arakawa, Las Vegas, NV

“Sunset Suave” | Bossa Nova

Chameleon Cachaça, Tanager Cachaça, brown butter washed Lusteau sherry, sweet vermouth, Pierre Ferrand Dry Orange Curacao

 

Kenneth Young, Denver, CO

“Copacabanana” | Bossa Nova

Colibri Cachaça, lemon juice, banana orgeat, Giffard Banane du Brasil, Meletti

 

Peyton Edmondson, Nashville, TN

“Aventura em Nova York” | Samba

Biquinho pepper-infused Barrel-Aged Cachaça, caju syrup, biquinho pepper puree, Cocchi Americano, lemon stock

 

Erika Flowers, New Orleans, LA

“Baker’s Dance” | Samba

Silver Cachaça, Giffard Banane du Bresil, Tempus Fugit Crème de Cacao, lime juice, orange juice, Bittermen’s Burlesque Bitters, Angostura Bitters

 

Felisa Rivera, Glendale, AZ

“Arrastrando a Plátano” | Samba

Toasted cashew-infused Silver Cachaça, banana puree, coconut cream, spiced sweetened condensed milk, llime juice, pineapple juice, Himalayan pink salt

 

Justin Levaughn, Orlando, FL

“Ilha Das Bananas” | Samba

Colibri Cachaça, maduro syrup, coconut balsamic vinegar, lime, tamarind puree

 

David Leon, Chicago, IL

“Morning Routine” | Samba

Silver Cachaça, Barrel-Aged Cachaça, Silver Cachaça coffee cordial, salted pineapple, lime, sugar blend

 

Ingrid Folkers, Raleigh, NC

“Hannah’s Beat” | Samba

Silver Cachaça, pineapple-infused Aperol, aquafaba, lime sherbet, honey syrup, Remedy Tiki Bitters, orange blossom water, saline

 

Christina Mercado, Newport, RI

“Open Heart” | Samba

Bar Strength Cachaça, lemon juice, guava-sweet potato syrup, hibiscus ginger beer