Tag Archives: tequila

Cocktail Corner: Toasting National Tequila Day

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Pancho's Mexican Restaurant's Naughty Maggie with Patron Barrel Select Reposado, photo courtesy Wicked Creative.

Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant’s Naughty Maggie with Patron Barrel Select Reposado, photo courtesy Wicked Creative.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Tequila is always one of our favorite spirits, but especially on National Tequila Day, which falls on Tuesday, July 24 (get it … Tequila Tuesday). In honor of the holiday, here are some favorite cocktail recipes from bars and restaurants across the country.

Enjoy!

Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in Las Vegas is saying “Salud!” to National Tequila Day with specially priced shots of Patron Barrel Select Reposado—Pancho’s custom eight-month aged, single barrel tequila made of French limousine oak. The cantina, prepared for the holiday with over 35 brands of tequila, will offer its signature Cadillac “Naughty Maggie” margarita (pictured above)

Naughty Maggie
3 parts house lemon lime mix
2 parts Patron Barrel Select Reposado Tequila
1 part Gaetano Triple Sec

Fort Willow Daisy Pusher, photo by Neil Burger, courtesy Wicked Creative.

Fort Willow Daisy Pusher, photo by Neil Burger, courtesy Wicked Creative.

DMK Restaurants’ Chicago treehouse-themed lounge, Fort Willow, celebrates National Tequila Day with a smokin’ hot cocktail—literally! Holiday celebrators can commence the holiday with the restaurant’s Daisy Pusher, made with a spicy blend of jalapeno tequila and guava, mixed with a smoky flavor of mezcal.

Daisy Pusher
1 oz jalapeno exotico blanco tequila
1 oz banhez mezcal
1.25 oz guava juice
.75 oz lime juice
Shake all ingredients, strain into a rocks glass, garnish with lime wedge.

Cabo Wabo White Peach Margarita, photo courtesy Wicked Creative.

Cabo Wabo White Peach Margarita, photo courtesy Wicked Creative.

Cabo Wabo Cantina in Las Vegas offers a white peach margarita, made with Cazadores Blanco, Monin White Peach Syrup, peach nectar, fresh lime juice and sweet & sour mix.

White Peach Margarita
Combine in a cocktail shaker w/ no ice
1.25 oz Cazadores Blanco
.75 oz Monin White Peach Syrup
1.5 oz Peach Nectar
1 oz fresh lime juice
1.5 oz sweet & sour mix
Pour over ice in margarita glass w/ remaining amount over ice in souvenir shaker.

Therapy's Mango Ricky, photo courtesy Wicked Creative.

Therapy’s Mango Ricky, photo courtesy Wicked Creative.

Therapy restaurant, located in Downtown Las Vegas, is te-killin the game this year for Tequila Day with the Mango Ricky cocktail, made with reposado tequila, mango puree, fresh lime and organic agave.

Mango Ricky
1.5 oz Gran Agave Tequila
1 oz Mango puree
.75 oz lime juice
.75 oz simple syrup
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass or tin, add ice, shake, strain and garnish with a lime wedge.

MB Steak Spicy Cucumber Margarita, photo by Jim Decker, courtesy Wicked Creative.

MB Steak Spicy Cucumber Margarita, photo by Jim Decker, courtesy Wicked Creative.

MB Steak, brothers David Morton and Michael Morton’s steakhouse at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, celebrates National Tequila Day with a boozy tequila cocktail.

Spicy Cucumber Margarita
1.5 oz Milagro Silver Tequila infused with habaneros and jalapeños
3.5 oz Fresh Sour mix
0.5 oz Agave Néctar
3 slices cucumber
3 leaves of Mint
Muddle the cucumber and mint with tequila, add ice, sour mix and agave, shake well and serve in a tall glass with a tajin rim.

The Top of the World Restaurant's Bibiana, photo by Chris Wessling, courtesy Wicked Creative.

The Top of the World Restaurant’s Bibiana, photo by Chris Wessling, courtesy Wicked Creative.

Located more than 800 feet above the Las Vegas Strip in the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower, the Top of the World Restaurant is the only revolving restaurant in Las Vegas, where guests enjoy breathtaking views as the restaurant revolves 360 degrees every 80 minutes. In celebration of National Tequila Day, the bar is pouring  Bibiana cocktails.

Bibiana
1.5 oz Don Julio Anejo tequila

1 oz Pama pomegranate liqueur

0.5 oz lime juice

0.5 oz agave nectar

3 dashes of Hellfire bitters

In a mixing glass combine all ingredients. Shake and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Cheers to wherever you enjoy your tequila this month! Click here for more Cocktail Corner columns.

 

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie believes variety is the spice of life. Send your suggestions to Leslie@sbseasons.com. 

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on July 20, 2018.

Cocktail Corner: Cheers to Santo Mezcal!

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Santo Mezcal's Margarita Jamaica, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Santo Mezcal’s Margarita Jamaica, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Like its cousin Tequila, Mezcal is made from agave, which, contrary to popular belief, is not a cactus but is actually a relative of the yucca plant and Joshua tree. While tequila is only be made in the Tequila region (similar to Champagne, vs. sparkling wine labels), Mezcal is usually produced in Oaxaca (it can legally come from anywhere in Mexico) and can be made from many types of agave, some of which only grow wild.

Santo Mezcal's Santo Margarita, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Santo Mezcal’s Santo Margarita, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

With a name like Santo Mezcal, I was expecting an impressive array of Mezcal cocktails to be available at Carlos Luna‘s new restaurant, (119 State St.) and thankfully wasn’t disappointed. The new restaurant combines the modern Mexican flavors we’ve come to know and love at Luna’s Los Agaves locations with some more sophisticated menu items and an impressive cocktail program.

As you enter the restaurant, the sleek bar and a vast Mezcal and Tequila collection take center stage. Led by local mixologist Sean Sepulveda (of Cadiz and Nuance, among others), the cocktail menu includes house-made infusions and house-made fresh pressed juices from seasonal Farmer’s Market fruit, as well as beer and wine lists that are predominantly from Santa Barbara County, with standouts from across the globe. 
Santo Mezcal's Margarita Picante, courtesy photo.

Santo Mezcal’s Margarita Picante, courtesy photo.

We worked our way through much of the Margarita selection, particularly enjoying the Margarita Jamaica, made with spiced hibiscus syrup, lime, hibiscus flowers and—like much of the cocktail selections—your choice of Mezcal or Tequila. The spicy Margarita Picante was excellent too, as was the Santo Margarita. We also enjoyed La Mermelada (the marmalade), a seasonal cocktail made with your choice of Whiskey or Tequila (we chose Tequila), seasonal jam, lemon, agave nectar, seasonal fruit and mint.

Santo Mezcal's La Mermelada, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Santo Mezcal’s La Mermelada, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Another really interesting choice is the Snow Pea Smash, with snow pea infused Gin, basil, Benedictine, pineapple, lime, hellfire bitters and micro cilantro. I’m also intrigued by La Flor Ahumada (the smoking flower), made with Mezcal, honey-lavender syrup, lemon and lavender bud, and Senora Rosada (pink lady) with Rum, raspberry gomme, pineapple, lime and Einstock white, powdered raspberry. All of the cocktails are in the $10-12 range.

The food, spearheaded by Executive Chef Ricardo Garcia, has a focus on seafood. We loved the Camarones Al Mezcal, Mexican shrimp served in a creamy mezcal sauce; Pulpo a Las Brasas, octopus marinated in a special adobo served with house-infused chile oil; and Enchiladas Cabo Azul, stuffed with fresh crab. My favorite thing was probably the Ahi Tuna Ceviche and Ceviche Pulpo, two beautiful dishes combined into one plate for review purposes, that really highlighted the flavors and spirit of Santo Mezcal and Santa Barbara itself.

Santo Mezcal's Ahi Tuna Ceviche and Ceviche Pulpo, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Santo Mezcal’s Ahi Tuna Ceviche and Ceviche Pulpo, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

I think this new hot spot at the hub of the ever-evolving Funk Zone and Waterfront area is definitely here to stay.

Cheers! Click here for more Cocktail Corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

 Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on June 23, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Haunted Halloween Cocktails

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Grand Marnier Raspberry Jolly Rancher, courtesy Grand Marnier

Grand Marnier Raspberry Jolly Rancher, courtesy Grand Marnier

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

It’s a spooky time of the year, and with Halloween on a Friday this time around, it’s a perfect time to imbibe in something haunted—and fun—to honor this holiday.

The folks at Grand Marnier have created a candy-inspired cocktail which is quite delicious. Here’s the recipe they’ve so generously shared:

Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach Jolly Rancher

Created by mixologist George Carney

2 oz Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach

1 oz peach liqueur

Splash of cranberry juice

Combine ingredients in a shaker and shake. Strain into a cocktail glass and serve.

Carr Winery Halloween BashAlso in the candy-themed spirit is this Candy Corn Cordial recipe from cocktails.about.com, featuring Tequila and Butterscotch Schnapps.

For something a little more on the savory side, try Michael’s Bloody Maria, from Food Network Chef Michael Chiarello, or this Gin-based Vampire Ritual from DrinkoftheWeek.com.

Don’t feel like mixing your own drinks? Carr Winery‘s annual Halloween bash on Oct. 31 sounds like loads of fun. Featuring live music by the Rat Poison Pack (!), the festivities are from 7:30-11 p.m. at the tasting room at 414 N. Salsipuedes St. Costumes are required (but of course!) and tickets are just $15 in advance or $20 if available at the door.

There also the annual Voodoo Lounge Halloween Dance Party upstairs on the roof at the Canary (31 W. Carrillo St.), which is sure to be rocking. Here’s a video about what to expect:

Hope your weekend is sweet and spooky. Cheers to whatever gets you in the holiday spirit!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 24, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Cocktail Corner: The Heat of Passion at Alcazar

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Alcazar's Heat of Passion cocktail. Courtesy Photo.

Alcazar’s Heat of Passion cocktail. Courtesy Photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  

By Leslie Dinaberg

The sultry Heat of Passion is sweet, hot and spicy and certainly my favorite cocktail at the moment. Alcazar (a great little hole-in-the-wall tapas place on the Mesa) makes this Habanero Chile-infused Tequila concoction with fresh passion fruit puree, lime, sweet & sour and a rim of sugar in a martini glass. It’s truly one of the most delicious cocktails I’ve ever had.

My sister—who lives just a short walk away from Alcazar, which is convenient if you want to drink more than one Heat of Passion (and it’s hard to resist)—turned me on to this drink and now, well, I’ve got the hots for it too.

Just spicy enough for cold winter nights and sweet enough for hot summer days, this cocktail is a perfect treat any night of the year, especially when paired with food that packs some heat. Try the Gambas Chipotle or Aaron’s Salad if you really want to get carried away!

Psst. The Heat of Passion is also served downtown at Milk & Honey, Alcazar’s downtown sister restaurant.

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg, hard at work. Photo by Derek Johnson.

Leslie Dinaberg, hard at work. Photo by Derek Johnson.

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on December 26, 2012.