Award-winning mixologist, pastry chef and budding entrepreneur Christina Mercado (USA) has been crowned the winner of the Altos Tahona Society Competition 2025 with C-Sweet: a groundbreaking sugar alternative syrups designed to transform the way bartenders and consumers create and enjoy cocktails.
The fourth edition of Altos’ pioneering sustainability-focused contest took place in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 8th-11th September, giving a global stage to 11 finalists from 9 markets including the US, Australia, Colombia, Canada, UK and Italy. Each competitor pitched their welfare-led initiative for the chance to win $50,000 USD to create positive change in the bar industry and beyond. Reflecting the Tahona Society’s sustainability pillars, the competition also achieved a milestone by neutralising 100% of the measured emissions from the week. This was made possible through a combination of direct actions, such as green purchases, efficient energy use, and shared transportation, along with certified offset projects. We also implemented a comprehensive recycling plan to ensure 100% separation at source and recycling of glass waste.
The competition also afforded contestants and attendees a great networking opportunity. It featured guest bartending shifts from some of the World’s 50 Best Bars, Katana Kitten (New York) and Café de Nadie (Mexico), as well as participation from industry leaders Iain McPherson (Panda & Sons), Christine Wiseman (Bar Lab Hospitality), Kate Boushel (Barroco Group) and Megs Miller (Salon de Agave).
C-Sweet dramatically reduces calorie content and glycaemic impact of syrups used in bar essentials, barista blends and other speciality beverages. For example, with C-Sweet’s simple sugar syrup, a Classic Margarita with Altos Plata drops from 14.4g of sugar to just 1.5g, and from 256kcals to just 151kcals – without compromising taste.
With consumers demanding cleaner labels, healthier choices, and more responsible production, C-Sweet is a perfectly timed launch which meets the needs of a new generation seeking both human and environmental sustainability. Christina works exclusively with carbon neutral and carbon positive producers, aligning with Altos’ sustainability values, while also delivering strong value thanks to its competitive price point (outperforming its closest competitor in simple syrups on value).
“C-Sweet is about reimagining sweetness in beverages in a way that respects both people and the planet. It’s about taking the next step towards a healthier future by reducing daily consumption of sugar – especially hidden sugars,” says Christina Mercado. “Winning the Altos Tahona Society Competition gives me the opportunity to scale this vision. I want to bring healthier, more sustainable choices to bars, coffee shops, retailers and homes worldwide.”
Christina’s win follows several months of dedicated coaching from Valerie Kramis – a leading social entrepreneurship expert and founder of Agenda28 – which culminated in four days of in-person intensive workshops, mentorship and pitch presentations. The result was decided by a panel of leading industry experts including House of Tequila Managing Director Tim Croizat, Altos Co-Founder and Global Ambassador Dré Masso, Lush Life Founder Lindsey Johnson and Founders Coach and Angel Investor Lara Zimmerman.
Recognising the exceptionally high standard of entries, additional prizes were awarded. Christina Botero of Colombia was chosen as The Crowd Favourite, receiving a $5,000 USD fund plus coaching to help bring Shaking Lives – a project designed to empower young people from vulnerable communities through hospitality training – to life. Meanwhile, Audrey Hands and Lucia Gonzalez of Mexico were awarded The Coaching Prize for Brindemos Bienestar, a technology-driven digital initiative promoting wellbeing in hospitality. In addition, all participating finalists have been selected to join the Tahona Launch Pad, a new program designed to help high-potential projects successfully launch and create real-world impact.
Carlos Andrés Ramírez, Global Advocacy & PR Director at Pernod Ricard’s House of Tequila, adds: “Through the Altos Tahona Society Competition we’re inspired by bartenders pushing boundaries to create lasting impact in our industry and beyond. The standard of projects this year has been truly exceptional, and C-Sweet stood out as a perfect example of innovation with purpose – combining health, sustainability and accessibility. We’re excited to support Christina on the journey of scaling this vision and look forward to seeing C-Sweet make a real difference in the drinks industry both on- and off-premise.”
Follow Christina’s journey with C-Sweet over on @CSweetSyrups on Instagram and on https://csweetsyrups.com.