Earlier this season, Smirnoff made a big announcement: serve up the best game day vibes with Smirnoff cocktails and you could win a trip to Super Bowl LVII as their first ever Cocktail Coordinator. Now, we have a big announcement. The official Smirnoff Cocktail Coordinator is Austin’s own Tania Ortega!
You may recognize Ortega from her time as an anchor/ reporter on FOX 7 Austin. Or maybe you follow her on Instagram where she posts about food, lifestyle, and all around good times in the ATX. This weekend, good times are sure to be shared as she’s being whisked away in private luxury transport to Arizona where she’ll be Smirnoff’s guest of honor at the biggest game of the season!
To qualify for the top prize, Cocktail Coordinator candidates first entered a video talking about why they deserved to be chosen while making their favorite game-day Smirnoff cocktail. Three finalists were later flown to Dallas where they went head-to-head in a competition that tested their football knowledge, game day entertaining skills, and go-to cocktail playbook.
How did Ortega even know about the Cocktail Coordinator contest?
Social media, of course. “I saw that Smirnoff was looking for their first ever Cocktail Coordinator and I felt like it was right up my alley,” Ortega told Austin.com. “I’ve been a football fan since I was young and really bonded over it with my dad. But it was my mom who really taught me how to be a good host and make sure that all of your guests are having a good time.”
Both Ortega and her mom are sure to have a good time in Arizona this weekend as the high energy hostess is introduced to the world as the first-ever Cocktail Coordinator at Super Bowl LVII. During the week, Smirnoff will also sponsor the annual GLAAD “Night Of Pride” as well as the NFL Legends Alumni Roast & Toast where brand partner Vernon Davis will serve as co-host.
“Everything about this experience seems surreal. I just can’t believe I actually won so it’s taking some time to digest the whole thing,” Ortega said. “The Super Bowl has always seemed like something that you only watch on TV with your closest friends, but this competition has turned a dream into a reality and I’m super thankful to have this opportunity through Smirnoff.”
We couldn’t pass up the chance to ask the Austinite about her favorite places to grab a drink in Austin.
“There are so many great bars in Austin that it’s hard to pin point just one. I’m definitely into the dive bar vibe as long as they have some really great cocktails. I often find myself at places like Nickel City and Whisler’s in East Austin, but if I’m looking for somewhere downtown I like to head to Dirty Bills or Rustic Tap.”
– Tania Ortega, Smirnoff Cocktail Coordinator
While we’ll all have to settle for watching the big game closer to home, Smirnoff is offering something special for you too! They’re providing $25 off 1,000 Uber rides in Austin starting February 12 at 7 p.m. and ending on February 13 at 12 a.m. Simply enter this code in the voucher section on the app: rWdOKLxJqMp
You can tune in to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, February 12 on FOX. Please Drink Responsibly.
Photos courtesy of Rick Kern /Getty Images for Smirnoff.
