Birthday Cocktails

What do you get the-man-who-has-everything for his 35th birthday? Well Justin Timberlake got his very own customised cocktail from his personal mixologist! Named “The Thirty-Five”, the drink makes use of Timberlake’s own brand of Sauza 901 Tequila, as well as orange bitters and cognac, served in a double rocks glass. Mixologist Eddy Buckingham describes it as “a sophisticated yet approachable drink – perfect for a celebration”. Turns out it is not the first cocktail to be created in JT’s name. Eddy Buckingham has been working with the popstar/actor since 2014 when the tequila collaboration first came about. Since then he has been creating personalised cocktails for parties, and promotional drinks for Sauza 901, as well as unique creations for his own bar. Here are a few of his tequila-based delights:

The Fallon

This cocktail came to life on The Tonight Show, when JT took Buckingham along to his interview. Made with two parts jalapeno-infused tequila, one part maple syrup and two dashes of orange bitters, this spicy drink is served in a rocks glass and garnished with a small jalapeno pepper. The drink is quick and easy to make, but the jalapeno-infused tequila requires a little preparation. It involves mixing one bottle of Sauza 901, four chopped jalapeno peppers, one teaspoon of agave syrup and a pinch of salt, and then leaving it all to marinate for at least an hour. It can then be finely strained back into the tequila bottle for a spirit with a kick. Not for the weak-of-heart!

Tea-Riffic Rita

This cocktail was created as a promotional beverage for Sauza 901. It is a twist on the traditional margarita, and is best served in a pitcher and shared among friends. The drink combines eight ounces of Sauza 901, six ounces of fresh lemon juice, four ounces of orange juice, four ounces agave syrup, one cup of cold black tea, and one bottle of pilsner, with a couple of handfuls of ice, a cup of raspberries and slices of orange, lemon, grapefruit and cucumber.

Juan Collins

This drink is served in Buckingham’s own cocktail bar in New York, and is the perfect accompaniment to a pool-side vacation. Made with two parts 901 Sauza, one part fresh lemon juice, one part simple syrup, and a splash of soda water, garnished with lemon peel and cherry, it is served over ice in a highball glass. The syrup provides sweet relief from the bitter lemon and tequila, making for a delicious combination of sweet and sour.

Tequiliano

Another custom-made drink for the bar, this drink is much simpler to make, but much more potent than some of Buckingham’s other creations. Two parts tequila, one part Campari, one part Sweet Vermouth and half a part of agave syrup is poured over ice in a rocks glass and garnished with a slice of orange.
Justin Timberlake has certainly fallen on his feet with a friend like Eddy Buckingham. We can’t wait to see what delectable delights he comes up with in the future.