The Three FiveCocktail recipe
Rating
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The Three Five sits firmly in the tequila-sour family: a bright, citrus-led drink built for a rocks glass, with a balance of spirit, liqueur, and fresh juice. It reads like a Margarita’s close cousin, swapping in lemon for a sharper snap and leaning into a slightly richer orange note. There isn’t a widely documented origin story attached to this name, so you can treat it as a modern, bar-style build that focuses on clean structure and bold, familiar flavours.
You’ll find Sauza 901 tequila blanco brings a crisp agave backbone, while Grand Marnier adds orange sweetness with a deeper, brandy-like richness. Lemon juice drives the tart edge, and a dash of agave syrup smooths the corners so the citrus doesn’t feel too sharp. Orange bitters tighten the finish, reinforcing the orange notes and adding a lightly bitter, aromatic lift that keeps the drink from tasting one-dimensional.
Serve it when you want something refreshing but not shy—ideal for pre-dinner sipping, taco nights, or any time you’d normally reach for a Margarita with a little extra bite. It suits drinkers who like citrus-forward cocktails with a clear tequila presence and a clean, brisk finish over ice.
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Lowball / rocks glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Tequila blanco leads with clean agave bite, rounded by orange liqueur’s sweet citrus, while lemon juice brings sharp brightness; a dash of agave syrup softens the edges and orange bitters add a dry, zesty snap. It works because the lemon’s acidity and bitters’ dryness keep the liqueur and syrup from cloying, making it ideal for Margarita fans who want a slightly richer, orange-forward sour on the rocks.
Method
How to make a The Three Five
- Tequila blanco 60ml (Sauza 901 Tequila), Orange liqueur 30ml (Grand Marnier), Lemon juice 30ml, Agave syrup Dash, Orange bitters Dash
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- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker
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- Shake with ice before straining over a lowball glass with ice
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- Garnish with an orange slice and serve
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FAQ's
How do I properly shake The Thirty Five cocktail?
To properly shake The Thirty Five cocktail, start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 30ml of orange liqueur, 30ml of lemon juice, 60ml of tequila, and a dash of agave syrup into the shaker. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds. This ensures the mixture is well-chilled and properly diluted for a smooth taste.
What garnish works best with The Thirty Five?
A thin slice of orange or a twist of orange peel makes the perfect garnish for The Thirty Five. The citrus element complements the orange liqueur and lemon juice in the cocktail, enhancing its fresh, zesty profile.
What is the ideal way to serve The Thirty Five?
The Thirty Five is best served in a lowball glass over ice. After shaking the ingredients with ice to chill, strain the cocktail into the glass. This method ensures the cocktail remains cold and refreshing without being watered down by excess ice.
Can I use honey instead of agave syrup in The Thirty Five?
Yes, you can substitute honey for agave syrup in The Thirty Five, but keep in mind that honey is slightly sweeter and has a stronger flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. You may also need to warm the honey slightly to ensure it mixes well with the other ingredients.
How does the alcohol content of The Thirty Five compare to a standard margarita?
The Thirty Five has an alcohol content of 23.75%, which is relatively close to the alcohol content found in a standard margarita, usually around 20-30% depending on the recipe. Both cocktails are tequila-based, but the proportions of the ingredients can affect the final alcohol content.
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