A Tequila Cocktail or Two
It’s not just a Friday today, it’s National Tequila Day so it's definitely time to come out of your lockdown siesta and start planning your fiesta!.
When you think of Tequila, many people think of the classic Margaritas or Tequila Slammers, which is no bad thing, but there’s a whole lot more on offer.
But if you don’t know your Mezcal from your Herradura Ultra Tequila Anejo, you need to seek out some of the best cocktail bars in Cardiff.
Tequila is made using the blue agave plant, and it can only be found in five states in Mexico.
We’re told that from those living in Mexico, around 45% of people there drink Tequila neat with the remainder drinking it as a Paloma or Batanga. These drinks are probably the easiest to make at home this weekend too.
Paloma
Fill a highball glass with ice, add tequila, top with grapefruit soda. Although The Raging Bull has a peach variant below that should not be overlooked.
Batanga
Fill a highball glass with ice, add tequila, top with Coca Cola.
From personal experience, Tequila should be enjoyed with friends or family. I tend to learn from experience, so I will be steering clear of any Chilli-Tequila concoctions that are out there, purely for fear of flash-backs to a particular night out on Mill Lane, Cardiff with my brother. The thoughts send shivers down my spine, and my brother still won't speak of that night.
With bars across Cardiff now re-opening, National Tequila Weekend (sorry but one day is not enough) is the perfect excuse to don the Sombrero, grab the maracas, and head out in search of the best tequila cocktails in the capital! Here are some of the best we've found.
Patron XO Espresso Martini
25 ml Salted Caramel Syrup, 50ml Patron XO, 2 dashes black walnut bitters, a double shot of espresso and finish it off with a generous dusting of cocoa powder.
Bitter Cherry Sours
Tapatio Blanco Tequila, Kakuzo Bitter Cherry, Strawberry, Alchemist Skull Pin. Cherry Fog.
The Crystal Cut Negroni
From their national award-winning menu Pioneers + Revolutionaries, the Crystal Cut Negroni contains Patrón Silver, strawberry-infused Martini Ambrato, Martini Bitter, absinthe, and garnished with a lemon zest mist. Served on the rocks over crystal clear ice.
I’m Up for it all the Time
50ml thyme-infused tequila (100g of thyme for a bottle of tequila-infused for 4 hours), 12.5ml of Edmond Briottet pemplemouse rosé, 25ml freshly squeezed lemon juice, 12.5ml sugar syrup. Shake then serve over ice cubes in a highball glass. Top up with a splash of soda and garnish with a lemon twist and thyme sprig.
The Mechanical Bull
A bucking, bolting array of bright stone fruit and fragrant kaffir, with a dry and savoury finish, this is one tequila cocktail now available in a bottle also. Perfect if you want to celebrate at home (socially distancing rules apply of course) Tequila Curado Cupreata, Amontillado Sherry, Passionfruit, Apricot, and Kaffir Leaf.
If you’re looking to make this National Tequila Day (weekend) special, check out some more inspirational tequila cocktails recipes from RedHanded Magazine in Edinburgh!
