The First of the Tequila Posts

I enjoy a drink now and again, and mostly like my standard glass of Merlot. However, if I want more of a kick (for whatever reason), my hard drink of choice is tequila. Unfortunately, most restaurants offer a limited selection of fun mixed drinks featuring tequila. How many different renditions of margarita can we chose from before we realize they are all pretty much the same?

I am on a quest to discover how many different tequila drinks I can find, investigate or invent. When discussing tequila, there is quite a difference in the quality of tequila--all the way from cheapy varieties that are not even 100% tequila to the lovely (and quite spendy) choices of silver, 100% agave. Take your pick, but after years of Cuervo gold, I'd prefer something a little smoother...like Patron. If you have a Costco membership, they have an excellent tequila offering under their Kirkland Brand (rumor has it that it is produced by Patron).

So, here's my standard recipe for margaritas at home.

2 shots silver agave tequila
1 shot orange liquor (your choice)
2 shots Rose's lime juice
ice
lime wheel or wedge to float

Shake all in a bar shaker and serve strained in a martini-type glass, or serve with the ice in a larger margarita glass.

I never blend my margaritas...if I want a slurpee, I go to 7-11.

Here's another recipe I would like to try. Found on the internet, it sounds interesting. Called the Paloma Brava, it was written a little snobby, so let me see if I can break it down into everyday people terms, while changing the quantities a bit:

Hendel's Paloma

ice
2 shots tequila (1 shot = 1 ounce)
1 shot lime juice (Rose's is sweetened and lovely, but plain lime juice would work)
2 shots orange juice
2 shots grapefruit juice (or grapefruit cocktail would be good)
4 ounces grapefruit soda
simple syrup, to taste
lime to garnish

To a thick glass add ice, tequila, juices, syrup and stir to mix. Add soda and garnish to serve.

This drink IS very fruity and refreshing. Don't omit the syrup--it really makes it pop!

And one more for today:

Sparkling Mexican 75

1 shot tequila (your choice)
1 oz Rose's lime juice
4 oz champagne or sparkling wine
lime twist to garnish

Wow! Tequila and champagne??

More recipes to come...