Californian Margarita

ABV 20.5% / 2.6 alcoholic units

Primary spirit: Tequila

A Brief History of the Californian Margarita

The margarita itself has a storied history, thought to have been invented in Mexico or the southern United States in the 1930s or 1940s. The Californian twist emerged more recently, driven by the state’s farm-to-table ethos and the desire to innovate classic cocktails using fresh, local ingredients. Bartenders in California have embraced using vibrant citrus fruits and unique flavourings like falernum to modernise the traditional margarita, creating a drink that reflects California’s sunny, adventurous lifestyle.

Taste and Flavour Profile

The Californian Margarita offers a zesty and invigorating flavour profile. The lemon juice adds a tart and slightly sour kick, while falernum introduces a warm spiciness with notes of ginger, almond, and clove. Together, these elements balance the strong, earthy flavours of tequila with a hint of tropical sweetness, resulting in a drink that's crisp, refreshing, and layered with complexity.

Food Pairings

The bright, tangy, and slightly spiced flavours of a Californian Margarita make it a versatile cocktail for food pairings:

• Ceviche: The citrus-forward margarita pairs beautifully with the light, fresh flavours of a seafood ceviche.

• Grilled Fish Tacos: The zesty lemon and lime in the margarita complement the smoky, savoury flavours of grilled fish tacos, especially with cilantro and avocado.

• Guacamole and Chips: The richness of guacamole balances well with the cocktail's acidity and spicy sweetness.

• Shrimp Skewers: Grilled shrimp with a touch of spice and lime perfectly matches the margarita’s tropical undertones.

Bar Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Hawthorne strainer
• Margarita or a rocks glass

Ingredients

• 50ml Tequila Blanco
• 20ml Cointreau
• 20ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 5ml Falernum
• 5ml Simple syrup*
• Pinch of salt
• Garnish: lemon or lime wheel/wedge and optional kosher salted rim
• Ice

Method

• To add a kosher salt rim, rub a citrus wedge around the rim of the glass.
• Put some kosher salt onto a plate and gently twist glass (rim side down) onto the plate
• Add the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until cooled
• Pour into a chilled salted rim Margarita or rocks glass (optional ice)
• Garnish with lemon or lime wheel/wedge

*Simple syrup - 1 part sugar to one part water. Gently heat in a pan until sugar has dissolved and allow to cool

What's the best Tequila for a Margarita?

The best tequila for a Margarita cocktail largely depends on your personal preferences and budget. However, many bartenders and Margarita enthusiasts recommend using a good-quality blanco (also known as silver or white) tequila for the best results. Here are a few reasons why blanco tequila is often preferred for Margaritas:

• Clean and Agave-Forward Flavour: Blanco tequila is typically unaged or aged for a very short period, allowing the natural flavours of the agave plant to shine through. This clean and crisp agave flavour pairs well with the citrusy and slightly tart elements of a Margarita.

• Affordability: Blanco tequilas are often more affordable than their aged counterparts (reposado and añejo), making them a popular choice for mixing in cocktails.

• Versatility: Blanco tequilas are versatile and mix well with other cocktail ingredients, allowing the Margarita's flavours to come together harmoniously.

• Agave Notes: The agave notes in blanco tequila can enhance the overall taste profile of your Margarita, giving it a true and authentic tequila character.

It's worth noting that some well-known brands of blanco tequila that are often recommended for Margaritas include:

• Patrón Silver: A smooth and popular choice for Margaritas, known for its high-quality agave flavor.

• Espolòn Blanco: A reasonably priced option with a pleasant agave character that works well in Margaritas.

• Herradura Silver: A well-respected tequila with a slightly fruity and herbal profile, making it a great choice for craft Margaritas.

• El Jimador Blanco: A budget-friendly tequila that still offers a decent agave flavour, making it a solid choice for Margaritas in large batches.

Ultimately, the best tequila for your Margarita will depend on your taste preferences and budget. You may want to try a few different blanco tequilas to see which one you prefer in your Margarita cocktail. Remember that the quality of your other ingredients, such as fresh lime juice and orange liqueur (like triple sec or Cointreau), also plays a crucial role in crafting a delicious Margarita.