When winter finally gets around to easing up, everyone wants a solid way to transition into warmer seasons. All us adventurers and romantics want is simply a cozy party with friends, possibly outdoors (and a good drink). That’s where the Tequila vs. Mezcal Party comes in like a saving grace.
Such a celebration of agave is well overdue, and it took Layered Vintage partnering up with The Gold Leaf Project to make it happen. The festivities took place in San Diego and the Venue Report was lucky enough to attend. We had an absolute blast and wanted a few more details on how it all came to be. So we scooped an interview with Jill of Layered Vintage and Aly who coordinated the whole thing.
Photography by: Jackie Wonders | Words from Jill of Layered Vintage and Aly of The Gold Leaf Project
How did this party come to be and why?
Jill: There's still a little bit of unknown mystery surrounding Mezcal and so we thought it would be fun to dispel any misconceptions and give people the opportunity to try Mezcal on its own as well as in tasty craft cocktails. Often Mezcal is compared to Tequila and so what better way to learn about one and also enjoy something familiar than have both with a mixed menu highlighting each and then a tasting bar to try them in their original form?
A tasting of each was offered by Fortaleza Tequila who sent their most knowledgeable rep to explain the different types of Mezcals and Tequilas to guests and offer tasters.
We were also excited and inspired to have The Gold Leaf Project fresh on the scene and thought it would be the perfect spot to have our party. Summer and its warm long nights were coming to a close so we threw one last hoorah to send it off!
Why did you make the design choices you did?
Aly: We all have an a not so secret love for all things Mexico. For this event, we wanted to stray away from the typical 'dia de los muertos' bright + colorful mexico. We wanted to opt for a neutral jungle heaven that is Tulum. Pow Wow was the perfect company to bring all the rentals and they went above + beyond and killed it with handmade tassel baskets hanging overhead that just set the tone. We wanted to bring the jungle, relaxed, Mezcal drinking party to an urban setting, so our guests could walk into the barrio and feel transported to Tulum.
Why was this venue chosen for this event?
Aly: It's a rad new space and we love being able to get creative + design in untouched spaces :)
Any standout features?
Aly: The whole venue is full of standout pieces but my favorite is the large shipping container with white walls that just begs to be dressed up.
Do you have a drink recipe from the party you could share?
Juan of Barcon:
Mezcal Fashionista
2 oz of Mezcal
1 oz of agave
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Light bruised Luxardo Cherry and Orange
Sugar cube
Add the sugar cube and bitters into a shaking tin, and muddle. Next add the cherries and orange and lightly bruise them. Add your ice, pour in the agave, mezcal and stir. Add the bitters and give it one more stir, then dump ingredients into an old fashioned bucket glass. Garnish with a peel of orange.
The Mezcal Fashionista is one of familiarity, for bourbon drinkers. The recipe stays parallel with an old fashion but of course with a smokey agave spirit, Mezcal. The underappreciated Mezcal gives a very unique dynamic to this cocktail. Its bold in smoke, bitter at first in taste, and then smoothes out into a nutty, slightly sweet delight.
Credits:
Photographer: Jackie Wonders, @jackiewondersphoto | Venue: The Gold Leaf Project | Food: Miho Catering Co,@amihoexperience | Drinks: Barçon Cocktail Co., @barçon | Cocktail Stirrers + Napkins: Nichole of The Roc Shop, @the_rocshop | Tabletop Rentals: Hostess Haven, @hostesshaven | Lounges + Decor styled by: Pow Wow Design Studio, @powwowdesignstudio | Floral Design + Installation: Layered Vintage, @layeredvintage | Signage + Printed Goods: Rebecca Eichten, @rebeccaeichten | Photobooth: Chadwick Gantes, @gantes.co |
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