Tequila has come a long way since its beginnings in its native Mexico. It has become a must-have for bartenders around the world, who use it to make delicious cocktails. Forget the shots and the teq paf, here are the must-try or rediscover recipes.
1. Margarita
Without doubt the best-known of tequila-based cocktails, its tart, refreshing notes have helped its flagship spirit cross borders. While there is much debate as to its origins, it is believed to have been born in 1948 in Acapulco, in the home of Margarita Sames. One part sour, one part sweet, one part bitter: a perfect balance to which the guests named their hostess.
Ingredients
5cl Tequila
2cl Triple-sec
2cl Lime juice
Preparation:
Prepare the glass by passing a lime wedge around the rim, then place in salt. Pour ingredients into a shaker with ice cubes, shake vigorously, strain and serve. It comes in a specially designed glass, and there’s also a version mixed with ice, the Frozen Margarita.
2. Tequila Sunrise
Ultra-colored and full of sweetness, like the sunrise to which it pays homage, this quintessential summer drink dates back to the 1930s and was later adopted by Mick Jagger himself.
Ingredients
4cl Tequila
1cl Grenadine
Orange juice
Preparation:
Pour the tequila into a long-drink glass filled with ice cubes, and top up with orange juice and grenadine. Refine the gradation slightly with a mixing spoon and decorate with a slice of orange.
3. Paloma
Disconcertingly simple, this explosion of freshness was a hit in the Mexican sunshine. You’ll find it in most local bars. Another advantage is that it is ideal for spicy cuisine.
Ingredients
5cl Tequila
1cl Lime juice
6cl Pink grapefruit juice
A dash of sparkling water
Preparation:
Pour tequila and juices into a glass, fill with ice cubes, stir vigorously with a spoon and top up with sparkling water. Add a slice of lime or grapefruit.
4. El Diablo
Beware, here we’re swapping the traditional blanco tequila for reposado because we’ll need a more pronounced aromatic profile to find its place alongside the crème de cassis and ginger. The result is a fruity, spicy cocktail that electrifies the taste buds.
Ingredients
3cl Tequila reposado
1cl Crème de cassis
1cl Lime juice
A dash of ginger beer
Preparation
Pour the tequila, crème de cassis and lime juice into a glass filled with ice cubes. Stir with a mixing spoon and add the ginger beer.
5. Mexican Mule
It’s been impossible to ignore the Moscow Mule phenomenon in recent years. But did you know that it can be made in any number of ways, as a London Mule with gin, for example, or…as a Mexican Mule with tequila?
Ingredients
6cl Tequila
1,5cl Lime juice
1cl Cane sugar syrup
Ginger beer
Preparation:
Place the tequila, lime and cane sugar in a shaker and shake for a few seconds. Pour into a glass and top up with ginger beer. Garnish with a slice of lime.
