50/50 Margarita Recipe

🍹 COCKTAIL OF THE WEEK
50/50 Margarita

Over the past few weeks I’ve been trying a few drinks that are lower ABV and I’m quickly discovering that less alcohol doesn’t necessarily mean less flavour…

In saying that, the main spirit that I chose to use for this was a decent 49.9% so I’m not too sure how low ABV it actually was! 😂

The premise behind the 50/50 Margarita is to split the base with a dry sherry, lowering the proof and adding complementary flavours. The style of sherry used is made and aged in a small Spanish coastal town, resulting in a light, dry sherry with saline and mineral notes.

The recipe does call for mezcal but this could easily be substituted for tequila… and the sherry, you could probably try substituting it for an alternate aromatized wine such as vermouth… you might end up creating your own unique cocktail!

🎥 VIDEOS
The Greatest Margarita

Whilst we’re on the topic of Margaritas, I had to share possibly the greatest (and one of the most simple) Margarita riffs around, the Tommy’s Margarita.

The Tommy’s was created Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Fran by Julio Bermejo. He swaps the triple sec for agave to further amplify the agave notes and highlight the tequila.

It’s been around since 1987 and is an absolute winner. If you haven’t tried it, you should… this weekend!

Reposado tequila + lime juice + agave = magic!

And, seeing as we are kind of on the topic of orange liqueurs…

Other YouTube Videos

• Cosmopolitan recipe | Steve the Bartender

• Let’s dive into orange liqueurs | Master Your Glass

• Triple sec vs curacao | Anders Erickson

• Ready Fire Aim (MUST TRY!!) | Steve the Bartender

🔥 FAST FACTS
Understanding Gin

Gin is made by distilling a high-proof neutral spirit with an assortment of botanicals. To be called “gin” it must always include juniper and commonly includes ingredients such as coriander seed, angelica root, orange peel, lemon peel, and orris root (to name a few).

London dry - a dry style of gin that highlights juniper and citrus. It doesn’t have to be made in London.
Good example = Beefeater London dry gin.

Plymouth - softer, earthy, citrusy and less juniper-forward style of gin that is distilled in Plymouth, England. Works well in more delicate cocktails with citrus or floral notes.
Only example = Plymouth gin.

Old Tom - was the most common style of gin available 150 years ago. Typically a limited botanical bill, was made from grain, and was pot distilled. It usually has a malty character from the grain and often has perceived sweetness from licorice root or fennel seed.
Good example = Hayman’s Old Tom.

Sloe - a gin-based liqueur made from sloe berries. The berries are macerated for months and sweetened with sugar. The liqueur is typically sweet and tart.
Good example = Plymouth, Haymans or Sipsmith.

Contemporary / New Western - often highlight botanicals other than juniper, such as citrus, spices or native ingredients.
Good example = Threefold aromatic gin 😉