Legend has it that bottles of high-proof tequila contain worms; if the worms show no signs of decomposition, this proves the alcohol content of the liquor. In reality, mezcal, not tequila, sometimes includes worms. Mezcal and tequila are very similar. Both are derived from Mexico's agave plants, but tequila comes only from the blue agave, native to west-central Mexico. Tequila is a superior version of mezcal, and it makes for a variety of good cocktails.
Margaritas
Step 1
Prepare four margarita glasses. Pour a small amount of tequila into a saucer, and spread a layer of salt over another saucer. Hold each Margarita glass upside down and place the rim in the tequila. Alton Brown, of the "Good Eats" program on The Food Channel, recommends waiting 10 seconds after you turn your glass upright again to allow for evaporation. Then place your glass upside down into the salt. Set your prepared glasses aside.
Step 2
Place ice cubes in your blender.
Step 3
Add the limeade concentrate, triple sec and 5 oz. tequila and blend until the ice pulverizes and the mixture is thick and smooth.
Step 4
Pour the cocktail into your prepared glasses, being careful not to splash any on the salt rims.
Step 5
Garnish each glass with a lime slice.
Tequila Sunrises
Step 1
Fill six highball glasses with ice to just beneath the rim. Place the glasses in the freezer to chill while you prepare your cocktail.
Step 2
Combine 2/3 c. tequila, 3 c. orange juice and 1 tbsp. grenadine in a pitcher. Stir well.
Step 3
Remove your prepared glasses from the freezer and pour your Tequila Sunrise mixture into each.
Step 4
Garnish each glass with an orange slice.
Green Hornets
Step 1
Prepare four rocks glasses by rubbing a slice of jalapeño pepper, then a slice of lime, over each rim. Layer salt on one saucer, and sugar on another. When the rims are moist, dip each glass in the salt saucer first, then in the sugar saucer. Fill your glasses with ice and set aside.
Step 2
Combine 1/3 c. sugar with an equal amount water in a saucepan. Heat on low until the sugar has dissolved. Transfer the dissolved sugar to another container and place it in the freezer for a few minutes to chill.
Step 3
Add the dissolved sugar, 1 c. fresh mint and ½ c. fresh cilantro to a blender. Puree the contents until they turn to a thick liquid consistency.
Step 4
Transfer half of the liquid herb mixture from your blender to a cocktail shaker.
Step 5
Add 1/2 c. tequila and the juice of one lime.
Step 6
Shake the cocktail vigorously and pour into two of your prepared glasses.
Step 7
Combine the other half of the herb mixture with another ½ c. tequila and the juice of another lime in the shaker, and repeat the process to fill your other two glasses.
Tips and Warnings
- You can follow standard recipes for tequila drinks, or you can experiment with your own, using your favorite fruit juices. Combine tequila with papaya or pineapple juice for sweeter drinks.
Things You'll Need
- 4 margarita glasses
- Salt
- Ice cubes
- 2 cans frozen limeade concentrate, 6 oz.
- 3 oz. triple sec
- Tequila
- Limes
- 6 highball glasses
- 3 c. orange juice
- 1 tsp. grenadine
- Oranges
- 4 rocks glasses
- 1/3 c. sugar
- Water
- 1 c. fresh mint
- 1/2 c. fresh cilantro
- Jalapeño pepper
Member Comments