The History of Tequila
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We couldn’t let National Margarita Day (20th February) pass us by without paying homage to the cocktail’s most important ingredient: Tequila. A guilty pleasure of binge drinkers everywhere, this fiery shot is even better when it is savoured in a cocktail instead of quickly knocked back with lemon and salt. So, where did this spritely spirit come from?
Cocktail glass
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<p>The Margarita is a classic cocktail that originated in Mexico and has become a beloved drink all over the world. It is a simple yet delicious combination of tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.</p><p>The history of the Margarita is a bit murky, with several stories claiming to be the origin. Some say it was created in the 1930s by a bartender named Don Carlos Orozco, while others credit socialite Margaret Sames for inventing the drink in the 1940s.</p><p>Regardless of its exact origins, the Margarita has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts. The flavour profile of this drink is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the tequila providing a smooth and slightly smoky kick.</p><p>The salt on the rim of the glass adds a touch of savouriness and enhances the overall flavour experience. Whether you prefer it frozen, on the rocks, or straight up, the Margarita is a must-try for any cocktail lover.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Margarita
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- Rim the edge of a cocktail glass with salt by coating the edge with lime juice and dipping into the salt
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- Add the other ingredients to a cocktail shaker with a few cubes of ice
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- Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
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- Strain into a cocktail glass and serve
The Origins of Tequila
It might come as no surprise to learn that Tequila was born in Mexico, starting life as a fermented drink made from the Agave plant. Ancient Aztecs worshipped two different Gods in the name of this milky liquid, which was enjoyed from 1000BC onwards, and possibly even earlier.
When the Spanish invaded in the 1400s, they brought plenty of brandy with them. However, this didn’t last as long as the adventurers had hoped, so they made a substitute from agave, using mud stills to distill the liquid and create a variety of mezcal. By the 1600s, a large-scale distillery had been built in Tequila, Jalisco and a trade route had been established between Mexico and Spain.
When the famous Cuevo family fell into the Tequila trade in the 1700s, the drink had truly been refined. The Sauza family were the next big commercial Tequila producers, choosing blue agave as their variety of choice. They were now creating the spirit that we know and love today.
Prohibition had an interesting effect on the alcohol industry. While it temporarily slowed the trade of spirits, it was a time of creativity. Several cocktails were born out of a desire to party, including the Margarita in 1936. This was actually just after prohibition had been lifted and an American took a trip to Mexico, where he came across a Tequila bar that had managed to survive the bleak period. This was when the Tequila Daisy was born, translated as Margarita.
Coupe glass
A spirited twist on the classic Daisy cocktail, the Tequila Daisy may very well be the precursor to the modern Margarita. With its roots traced back to 1930s Tijuana, legend tells of a bartender named Madden who crafted this drink by accident—mistaking tequila for brandy. The result? A refreshing mix of citrus, orange liqueur, and a splash of soda, delighting patrons and perhaps setting the stage for one of the most famous cocktails in the world. The name “Daisy,” when translated to Spanish, becomes “Margarita,” bringing everything full circle.
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Ingredients
Method
How to make a Tequila Daisy
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- Combine freshly squeezed lemon juice and superfine sugar in a shaker
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- Add tequila and Cointreau, then fill with ice
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- Shake until thoroughly chilled and strain into a chilled coupe glass
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- Finish with a light splash of club soda on top
Since then, the spirit has become a staple in cocktail cupboards around the world, being utilized in classics such as the Tequila Sunrise and Long Island Iced Tea.
Highball glass
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<p>The Long Island Ice Tea is a classic cocktail characterized by its deceptive potency and refreshing taste, despite a hefty mix of spirits. A medley of white rum, gin, tequila, vodka, and a hint of Cointreau, it is balanced with the tang of lemon juice and the sweetness of sugar syrup.</p><p>The inclusion of cola not only contributes to the drink's iconic appearance—resembling a non-alcoholic iced tea—but also adds a familiar, effervescent flavor that complements the complexity of the spirits. Traditionally served in a highball glass, the Long Island Ice Tea is a favorite for those who enjoy a cocktail that packs a punch while remaining pleasantly palatable.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Long Island Iced Tea
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- Fill a tall glass (like a highball or hurricane glass) with ice
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- Pour in 15ml each of vodka, white rum, gin, tequila blanco, and Cointreau
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- Add 30ml of fresh lemon juice and 20ml of simple syrup
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- Stir gently to combine all the ingredients
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- Top up the glass with cola to fill—around 60–90ml depending on your glass size
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- Give it one final gentle stir to blend the flavours
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- Garnish with a lemon wedge or slice, and serve with a straw
Highball glass
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<p>The Tequila Sunrise is a vibrant and visually striking cocktail known for its layered color effect that mimics a sunrise. Served in a highball glass, this refreshing beverage combines the crisp, agave notes of tequila with the sweet, citrus flavors of orange juice, yielding a smooth and tropical taste.</p><p>The addition of grenadine, a pomegranate-flavored syrup, not only sweetens the drink but also creates the characteristic red-to-orange gradient that gives the Tequila Sunrise its name. This cocktail is typically garnished with an orange slice, adding an extra touch of fruitiness and enhancing its presentation.</p><p>The Tequila Sunrise is a popular choice for those seeking a sweet and fruity cocktail with a tequila base.</p>
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Tequila Sunrise
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- Half fill a highball glass with ice cubes and pour in the tequila
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- Top up with orange juice and give the cocktail a stir
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- Once mixed pour in the grenadine, which should sink to the bottom, colouring the rest of the drink on its way down
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- Garnish with an orange slice and serve
The Rules of Tequila
The Mexican government got involved in the tequila hysteria in 1974, declaring that the drink was the property of the country and setting several rules for its production. True Tequila can only be produced in certain areas of Mexico. Anything similar that has been made elsewhere cannot legally call itself Tequila.
Whether you like your Tequila long and mixed, or short and fast, there is no doubt that this is a versatile drink that has stood the test of time.
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