Recipes & How To's | Nov. 8, 2021

Tequila in the Classics for Fall

The classics are classics for a reason, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be refreshed. On menus across the country, you’ll find riffs on the cocktails that helped shape what the beverage scene is today. To make changes to these tried and true classics doesn’t mean that our cocktail-crafting ancestors got it wrong — it means you’re adding diversity and expressiveness to an ever-expanding community of drinks.

Adding tequila where other spirits once stood is a real-time example of the hold agave spirits have in the hearts and minds of bartenders and consumers. Cocktails like Ranch Water, Palomas, and the Margarita will be staples of tequila for decades to come, but showcasing tequilas in place of spirits like bourbon or even gin allows the versatility of agave to shine in creative ways.

In this Proofread, we’re sharing some favorite takes on classic sips as we take a look at variations on cocktails like the Negroni, Old Fashioned, Martini, New York Sour, and the Manhattan. Follow along and mix for yourself to learn how swapping spirits can change up your routine for the better.



Negroni

The Negroni is commonly made as an equal parts concoction, but shifting the scales with an additional half ounce of Patrón Silver brings out the vegetal, bright, and velvety notes of cooked agave. The natural sweetness of the tequila cuts into the bitterness making the finish of this version more full-bodied and calm.


RECIPE

1.5 oz Patrón Silver

1 oz MARTINI Bitter

1 oz MARTINI Rosso Vermouth

+ Orange slice for garnish


METHOD


Combine ingredients in an ice-filled rocks glass and stir ten revolutions.



GARNISH

Garnish with an orange slice.

Reposado Old Fashioned

Aging tequila creates an unparalleled addition of complexity so adding a touch of simple syrup and bitters makes this Old Fashioned riff an elevated mix of vanilla, oak, orange, and agave. For an additional hit of age and complexity swap our the reposado for Patrón Añejo.


RECIPE

2 oz Patrón Reposado or Añejo

.25 oz Simple syrup

1 dash Bitters

+ Orange peel for garnish


METHOD

Over a double old fashioned glass, use a vegetable peeler to take off two strips of orange zest, making sure to express the oil into the glass.

Add Patrón Reposado, simple syrup and bitters.

Add ice — the biggest cubes you can find — and stir.

Adjust sweetness to taste.


GARNISH

Garnish with orange peel.


Mazatlán

Tequila doesn’t always need lime to have a good time, and this has never been more true than in the Mazatlán, an amplified version of the Manhattan. Swapping out the tried and true bourbon for Patrón Reposado opens up a new neighborhood of flavor that’ll have you looking into new area codes.

RECIPE

1.5 oz Patrón Reposado

.5 oz Patrón Citrónge Orange

.5 oz MARTINI Extra Dry Vermouth

.5 oz MARTINI Rosso Vermouth

1 dash Angostura bitters

+ cherries for garnish


METHOD

Combine liquid ingredients in a mixing glass and stir with ice to chill.

Strain into a chilled cocktail coupe.



GARNISH

Garnish with a cherry

La Nueva York

This take on the favored New York Sour is a great introduction for those looking to expand their cocktail horizons in both flavor and technique. Adding a float of red wine to the finished drink adds a layer of complexity to an already balanced and delicious sipping experience. Replacing whiskey with Roca Patrón Añejo brings cooked agave and softened rounded out caramels from the barrel which matches perfectly with fresh citrus.

RECIPE

2 oz Roca Patrón Añejo

.75 oz Fresh lemon juice

.75 oz Simple syrup

.5 oz Red wine

+ Lemon wheel for garnish



METHOD

Combine first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously with ice to chill.

Strain onto fresh ice in a rocks glass and gently float red wine on surface of drink.


GARNISH

Garnish with a lemon wheel.

Platinum Club Martini

You don’t have to be a card carrier to gain access to this simple yet elegant cocktail, since you’re only two ingredients away. Created by Director of Mixology David Alan, this perfected version of a Martini allows Gran Platinum Patrón to shine alongside bianco vermouth. Perfect for an evening unwind or your new steakhouse staple.



RECIPE

2 oz Gran Patrón Platinum

.75 oz premium Martini & Rossi Bianco Vermouth

Cucumber wheel, for garnish



METHOD

Combine liquid ingredients in a mixing glass and stir to chill. Strain into a chilled cocktail coupe. Express the zest of a lemon peel over the surface of the drink and discard.

GARNISH

Garnish with a thin slice of cucumber

Whether this blog changed your mind on the possibility of tequila in the classics, or opened your eyes to some creative possibilities, we hope you enjoy your next exciting mix. Explore the world of agave cocktails and try swapping tequila in some of your other favorite classic cocktails.

Find something new that we should know about? Tag us on @academia_patron and let us know!

Check out our other posts