R+D Night Kickoff at The Drake
R+D Night Kickoff at The Drake
Our very first R+D Night at The Drake was an unforgettable evening of bold new flavors and savory conversation. Designed exclusively for service industry pros, Rebels + Disruptors Night was the perfect way to let loose, connect, and discover new spirits. Here's a recap of the night that set the tone for many more to come.
Guided Tequila Tastings with a Twist
At the heart of the event was a captivating tequila tasting, guided by Jose Santana, Brand Ambassador for Tequila Cazadores, and the engaging Jeremiah. Together, they led our guests through a journey of tequila exploration, dropping knowledge, stories, and surprising everyone with not one, but TWO mystery pours:
-Patron El Alto – a fresh take on the highlands' profile.
-Patron El Cielo – a luxurious, smooth sip that had everyone buzzing.
Throughout the tasting, Jose and Jeremiah brought the story of Cazadores to life, sharing the rich history of the distillery, which began in 1922.
The story begins with a visionary from Jalisco, Mexico who perfected the secret family recipe. In the 1970s, his grandson opened a distillery, naming it Cazadores after the hunters, symbolizing the pursuit of perfection and the stags that roam the agave fields. The stag, representing knowledge, wisdom, and adventure, embodies the spirit of the community behind every bottle. Made with 100% Blue Weber Agave thorough a zero-waste, sustainable process, Cazadores continues to craft Tequila with the same passion and authenticity as it did a century ago.
Bold Bites to Match Bold Spirits
Of course, the night wouldn't be complete without some show-stopping food! Chefs Heberto + Rona put together an exclusive menu with creative dishes inspired by bold + rustic Mexican flavors:
-Elote Pizza – a cheesy, charred-corn delight, topped with cotija and chili lime.
-Blue Corn Tostadas with AA Grade Tuna – perfectly crispy tostadas with sashimi-grade tuna that melted in your mouth.
-Seasoned Chicharones – crispy, light, and seasoned to perfection, these were a crowd favorite to snack on between sips.
Swag and Surprises for Our Attendees
Jose and Jeremiah didn't come empty-handed! They brought some awesome merch exclusively for our hospitality guests, including:
-A Cazadores Jarro de Barro – a traditional clay jug perfect for tequila lovers.
-Mugs and Serapes – perfect keepsakes to remind guests of the good times.
It was all about making our industry friends feel appreciated, and judging by the energy in the room, they definitely felt the love!
High Energy and Big Connections
Our hospitality community showed up in full force with high spirits, ready to mingle and enjoy the night to its fullest. The room buzzed with laughter, conversation, and the kind of energy that only people from the service industry can bring.
R+D Night isn't just an event – it's a space for rebels and disruptors to experiment, enjoy great food, and discover new flavors with their peers. Thanks again to Jose Santana, Jeremiah, and everyone who joined us! We can't wait to keep the momentum going and bring more incredible experiences to our industry community.
Until next time, cheers to breaking molds and pushing boundaries!