Tequila and Mezcal
Fear Not!
That classic restaurant margarita loaded up with overly sweet triple sec and a salted rim is designed to cover up the flavor of a poor quality tequila. Mostly produced in Mexico, Tequila and its smoky cousin Mezcal are made from the agave plant in a process that includes roasting, fermentation and distillation; and represent a full range of quality and flavor profiles from blanco or silver, anejo, to a very fine oak barrel aged reposado. Why toss back shots when this delicious spirit can be savored alone or as the foundation for a fine craft cocktail?
Basic Margarita - No need to waste money on bottled margarita mixes!! The recipe follows the basic sour formula mentioned on another page on this site. All you need is good tequila, fresh squeezed limes, and a sweetener (agave nectar, or for a more boozy version, orange liqueur like Cointreau). Add a pinch of salt and a splash of soda water and that’s it! Serve over crushed ice in a tumbler, or shake until well chilled and serve up in a margarita glass (with or without salt on the rim).
Gingerita - A refreshing change of pace, this drink includes both tequila and mezcal, lime juice and homemade ginger syrup. Shake well with ice and strain over a large cube in a rocks glass. Credit to Kyle Stump at The Table in San José, CA.
Spicy Watermelon Margarita - Super easy modification to the basic margarita recipe above. Just muddle a few chunks of watermelon and slices of jalapeno (with seeds for more kick) in the shaker before adding your favorite tequila, lime juice, a pinch of salt and a bit of agave nectar. Shake well with ice and double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with watermelon chunks and more jalapeno. Salted rim optional.
Paloma - Another variation on the classic margarita includes grapefruit and lime juices with high quality tequila and a bit of orange liqueur or agave syrup and a splash of soda. Or make it simply with tequila, lime juice and grapefruit soda! This one makes a fun Halloween drink if you add a capsule of activated charcoal to the shaker before adding the soda.
La Ultima Palabra - This fun variation on the classic gin cocktail The Last Word uses mezcal in place of the gin and the addition of pineapple juice. A smoky Mezcal works really well with the green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and lime of the original cocktail. Shake all ingredients and serve up in a coupe.