5@5 - Fred Warner: tequila expert
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Tequila(!): it's not just for Cinco de Mayo and The Champs.
Just ask Fred Warner, the beverage director of Mas Malo and Malo in Los Angeles, where Warner has helped curate a list of almost 250 tequilas and 30 mezcals.
Let's just say the man knows his way around a tequila bottle - and hopes this summer you don't limit your tequila tippling to the sunrise or sunset, but rather enjoy all the livelong day.
Five Refreshing Tequila Cocktails To Sip This Summer: Fred Warner
1. Spicy Cucumber Margarita (pictured above)
"I LOVE this drink, not only in the summer, but year round! It's got the cooling aspect of the cucumber, followed by the bite of the Tapitio [hot sauce]! A wonderful juxtaposition of flavors."
2 oz reposado tequila (recommended: El Jimador Reposado)
2 oz House Sour (2 parts fresh lime juice to 1 part agave nectar)
3 slices cucumber
2 dashes each of Tapitio and Angostura bitters
Served with ice in a rocks glass.
2. Mexican 77
"This cocktail is nice, sweet and sparkling. It tastes soft on the palate, and is wonderful for a hot summer day."
2 oz silver tequila (recommended: 4Copas Silver organic tequila)
Juice of 1/2 a lemon (1/2 oz)
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
Float of Cava (or Champagne)
Served in a chilled Champagne flute.
3. Red Eye
"Now this is a beautiful cocktail! The density of the red wine keeps the wine at the top of the cocktail the entire time. It’s sweet, yet dry."
2 oz reposado tequila (recommended: Milagro Reposado)
Juice of 1/2 a lemon (1/2 oz)
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
Float of Red Wine
Served in a chilled Champagne flute.
4. La Paloma
"The bestselling cocktail in Mexico! It’s traditionally made with Mexican Squirt [grapefruit soda], but mine is made with homemade 'Squirt' using freshly squeezed juices. My personal summertime favorite!"
2 oz silver tequila (recommended: El Jimador Silver)
1/2 oz fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
1/2 oz fresh squeezed lime
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
Topped with club soda
Served with ice in a salt rimmed Collins glass, with a lime.
5. Piñata Smash
"This cocktail is sweet and spicy, with a nice herbal finish. It’s a tasty and refreshing cocktail to sip on those days when the sun just won’t quit.
2 oz silver tequila (recommended: El Jimador Silver)
2 oz House Sour (2 parts fresh lime juice to 1 part agave nectar)
Muddled pineapple chunk, 3 slices of Serrano chile, and a few sprigs of Cilantro
Served with ice in a rocks glass.
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