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Ask A Detroit Bartender: Your Best Tequila Cocktail

Unless you're a fan of tequila shots, many people only experience tequila in a margarita. What you might not know is that tequila is made from the blue agave plant and that Tequila is an actual city close to Guadalajara, Mexico. The drink first made its appearance in the 16th century even though the city of Tequila wasn't actually a city until 1666.

Although you've undoubtedly tried tequila if you're a fan of margaritas, another popular tequila drink in the U.S. is the Tequila Sunrise, which includes tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. The Tequila Sunrise made its debut in California in the 1970s, though an earlier version was created in 1930s Arizona, too.

Beyond the well-known margarita and tequila sunrise cocktails, local mixologist Sara Farmer has three unique cocktails that include flavor-infused tequila, fresh fruit juice, and fruit purees to give each drink the refreshing taste generally associated with tequila-based cocktails.

Try these three tequila recipes below for your drinking enjoyment.

Sara Farmer
Punch Bowl Social
1331 Broadway St.
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 749-9738
www.punchbowlsocial.com

Sara Farmer entered the restaurant business 20 years ago, starting her career as a server and eventually worked her way up to general manager. Although she works in Michigan and started her career here, she also has worked in southern Florida. Her current position is at Punch Bowl Social in Detroit. Check out her tequila recipes for some new and unique drinks.

Hart Plaza Hottie

  • 1.5oz. Jalapeno infused Tequila
  • 1oz.    Fresh watermelon puree
  • .25oz. Fresh lemon squeeze
  • .25oz. Simple syrup
  • Garnish with a watermelon wedge

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin and shake well. Pour over ice in a collins glass. Place wedge of watermelon on rim of glass.
  2. For jalapeno infused tequila add 2 or 3 fresh jalapenos (depending on size) to a bottle of blanco tequila. Slice 4 slits up sides of jalapeno before placing in bottle.
  3. For fresh watermelon puree, get a seedless watermelon and place in blender on puree. Use within 24 hours.

Related: Ask a Detroit Bartender: Your Best Martini Recipe

 

Ginger Berry Cocktail

  • 1.5oz. Jalapeno infused Tequila (blanco)
  • .5oz. Ginger liqueur
  • .5oz. Fresh lemonade
  • Garnish with pomegranate liqueur soaked blueberries

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin and shake vigorously into a double old fashioned over ice.
  2. Use a ladle to add about .25oz. of pomegranate liqueur and 3 blueberries on top of the drink.
  3. Soak blueberries several hours before time of serving.
  4. For jalapeno infused tequila, add 2 or 3 fresh jalapenos (depending on size) to a bottle of blanco tequila. Slice 4 slits up the sides of each jalapeno before placing in bottle.

Pear Perfect

  • 1.5oz  Tequila (Blanco)
  • .5oz    Prickly pear puree
  • 1oz.    Housemade sweet and sour
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • Garnish with sage

Directions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin and shake vigorously into a double old fashioned over ice.
  2. Pinch a sprig of sage. Give it a slap to release aromatics and place on top.

Related: Ask a Detroit Expert: Your Best Hot Winter Drink

Liz Parker is a freelance writer and a University of Michigan graduate with a degree in Creative Writing and Literature. Her work can be found at Examiner.com and yesnofilms.com.

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