There’s nothing wrong with a traditional Margarita. In fact, there’s so much that’s deliciously right about the balance of the three ingredients (tequila, triple sec and lime in case you need reminding). But today is International Margarita Day and if there was ever good time to show off just how clever, creative and cool this drink can get, this is it.
Which is why Patrón Tequila has chosen 22nd February to launch its Margarita of the Year competition. Here’s where seven bartenders from around the world have twisted up the classic recipe to create their own interpretation of the perfect Margarita. The rules? Simples. In addition to using Patrón Tequila, they each had to weave local flavour and personal cultural references in to the mix.
Among the seven concoctions up for the title there’s the Tropicana Margarita combining mango and fresh avocado, created by Alexander Kody from Denver. Hemnant Pathak from New York has blended mango and Indian spices in his Mumbai Margarita, while Reisler Morales from Mexico City adds colour and drama with red wine and hibiscus to his Coralina Margarita. Everyone is invited to vote for their faves from today until 9 April and the winner will be crowned on April 17 – just in time for Cinco de Mayo.
We’re rooting for Sophie Brett from London. Yes, she is ‘one of ours’ BUT we’ve tried her English Garden Margarita and it’s absolutely aces.
If you’re in London this evening, try it at OXO Tower Restaurant and Bar, or if you want to flex your Margarita-making pecs on International Margarita Day, shake one up at home.
Here’s how:
English Garden Margarita (serves 2)
45ml Patrón Silver Tequila
15ml Patrón Citrónge Orange Liqueur
20ml fresh lemon juice
15ml apricot liqueur
15ml Earl Grey Tea syrup
3 drops orange flower water
Method:
Shake all ingredients over ice and pour into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice cubes. Garnish with a sugar snap pea and a sprig of mint.
To view all seven Margaritas and to vote for your favourite, see MargaritaoftheYear.com
