The history of tequila drinks is actually a relatively short one. Until the recent cocktail movement, just a handful of recipes defined the category.
The Margarita, of course, was the leader of this very small group. It was the first tequila concoction to gain widespread recognition and is still going strong. But the origins of this classic are as difficult to establish as the origins of the Martini.
A bit later, in the 1970s, the Tequila Sunrise seemed to be everywhere. The modern recipe is a dumbed-down version of what was served during Prohibition at the Agua Caliente Racetrack in Tijuana, which also included crème de cassis.
The Paloma, lately popular in the United States, has been a longtime favorite in the Mexican town of Tequila. The tipple’s invention can be dated to the release of the grapefruit soda, which provides its key flavor. Mexico’s best-known bartender, Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner of La Capilla in Tequila, is famous for his similar Batanga, a combination of tequila, lime juice and Coca-Cola.
Today, tequila and mezcal cocktails abound, and there are a number of establishments that specialize in them. Pair a chilled shot of the Sangrita Green or Sangrita Tradicional Pomegranate with a shot of your customers' chosen tequila and salute this short but tasty agave history.
Sangrita Green
Ingredients
3 chunks pineapple
23 oz pineapple juice
8 cilantro stalks
8 mint sprigs (leaves only, no stems)
Half a serrano pepper, seeded
.25 tsp sea salt
.5 oz simple syrup (one part sugar, one part water)
Glass: shot
Directions
Add all the ingredients to a blender and puree. Fine-strain into a container with a lid and refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve in a chilled shot glass with a shot of tequila.
Sangrita Tradicional Pomegranate
Ingredients
16 oz pomegranate juice
8 oz fresh orange juice
4 oz fresh lime juice
.75 oz habanero hot sauce
3 oz simple syrup (one part sugar, one part water)
Glass: shot
Directions
Combine all the ingredients in a half-gallon container and refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve in a chilled shot glass with a shot of tequila.
