After the pandemic , it ’ s been difficult to source all of the tequila brands that were available in the market before .
– Chef Manuel Trevino , vice president of culinary for Rosa Mexicano
Rosa Mexicano stocks at least 50 tequila brands in most of its restaurants , depending on what ’ s available in the market .
La Josie ’ s Maracya Hallelujah cocktail starts with a tequila base , plus lime , aperitivo and passion fruit syrup . The La Malinche incorporates spicy chile-infused tequila , lemon , ponche de tamarindo and peach puree ; both cocktails are priced at $ 15 .
At Rosa Mexicano , cocktails begin with the house signature : the Frozen Pomegranate Margarita ($ 14 ), says Trevino . The concept also offers an Al Gusto Margarita with fresh-squeezed juice , organic agave nectar , Grand Marnier and choice of tequila , mezcal or sotol ($ 18 ). The Josefina Margarita — a nod to founder Josefina Howard — features Komos Rosa tequila , organic agave nectar and fresh-squeezed lime juice .
“ Our main focus behind the bar is Mexican mixology ,” based on agave spirits with citrus and fruit-forward flavors , says Salgado . A top cocktail at Rreal Tacos is the Fresco Cucumber with tequila blanco , lime juice , cucumber juice , agave and mint , and the Malverde , the mezcal version of the same . Both are priced at $ 13 .
A top cocktail at Sweetbriar is the Rose of Sharon , made with Tres Generaciones reposado tequila , homemade hibiscus-pink peppercorn syrup and lime juice , priced at $ 19 . That cocktail and the mezcal-based Smokey Pistolas ( Dos Hombres joven mezcal , lime and piri piri agave ) are always in the top-five best-selling drinks , Papic says .
“ We approach tequila the same as any other spirit ,” he adds , “ usually looking for seasonal ingredients that are good pairings with tequila ’ s flavor profiles , then going back to basic , looking into classic cocktails and finding inspiration .”
Sweetbriar partnered with Don Julio this past January and featured a special Paloma ( Don Julio Blanco tequila , lime juice , Fever Tree pink grapefruit soda , with an Aleppo-salt rim ), priced at $ 12 during Happy Hour at its Lounge bar .
AGAVE OUTLOOK On thing is for sure : Expect to see more agave spirits and cocktails at bars and restaurants . Sweetbriar , for instance , aims to add more tequila-based cocktails , especially during the summer months . “ We are planning on partnering up with different tequila and mezcal brands to host Happy Hour , mixology classes —
even tamale-making classes with tequila pairings ,” says Papic .
Rosa Mexicano wants to revamp its entire beverage menu in 2023 to feature more flight options , more fun and creative cocktails and tequila pairing dinners , Trevino says .
La Josie will continue to bring in small-batch , family-owned and -produced agave spirits and showcase them through flights and tasting events , Barajas says . “ We currently do specialty menus on different nights of the week to share our knowledge and passion with guests .”
At The Museo del Tequila , guests will be able to go even deeper into the world of tequila with pairing dinners and tasting opportunities , Torres says . “ We are happy to accommodate guests that request more beverage experiences and develop our programming as fit ,” he adds .
And Rreal Tacos will be perfecting its bar program across the board , Hernandez says , with the idea to make the most consistent drinks in the city . “ No matter what 2023 brings , we will push forward with bringing tequila and mezcal to the masses !”
22 • Spring 2023 www . cheersonline . com