Mix-it-up-ology

A portion of time in June has been spent talking about the tradition, origin, production and the taste of different tequilas. Like any beverage, tequila can be fun when you are armed with a little bit of responsible knowledge.  The message in June has not been one of criticizing the weaknesses of some tequilas. Rather, the focus has been on the power of the strengths of a few select tequilas. 

One topic not covered are recipe’s for various mixed tequila drinks.  Anyone can quickly look-up a recipe if you know what you are looking for. The trick is to know what YOU are looking for!  (your personal preferences) Defining that could require a bit of exploration and experimentation. Here are five tequila mixed drinks beyond the typical margarita. Go ahead... investigate.

La Paloma 

Chalino Special

Marble Queen

Beach Bum (tequila based)

Thai Basil Bliss

Indeed, there are many interesting mixed drinks … and foods … that employ tequila. Too many to mention. The range is endless from creamy coconut yet slightly sour to sweet tropical.  For example, if you enjoy coconut look at the “Marble Queen”. 

A typical Marble Queen recipe is:

  • 1.5 oz. of tequila

  • A bit more than 1 oz. of cream of coconut

  • A squeeze of lime juice with a wedge on the glass rim

  • Ice...plenty of it

  • Sea salt for the rim of the glass. Don’t be afraid to try a colored salt

  • An interesting garnish such as an edible flower or some tropical fruit

Shake the cream of coconut, lime juice and tequila vigorously... sit back... toss away any anxieties, throw away other people’s opinions... and enjoy the moment.   While the cream of coconut is somewhat sweet, this is a sour-oriented delight depending on the amount of lime juice. Personalization is needed. Other Marble Queen recipe’s increase the cream of coconut levels, some add a touch of Cointreau or Grand Mariner, some specify certain types of tequila and others vary the salt types. 

Why is it called the Marble Queen? Not sure.  Perhaps because there is a plant named “Marble Queen” that contains milky white and light green leaves as shown in the photo below.

Exploring your own authentic preferences likely involves more than knowing what you don’t like. It often involves exploring and learning what you do like. Of course, a selection can quickly change due to weather, mood, the accompanying meal and more.

While the month of May spent some time chatting about tradition... and June touched on tequila... in July a thread will be on food and related culture. There is something magical about family and friends sharing and enjoying Mexican food. Are you ready?  Cue music.

Tim Ellison