TASTE_Summer2023

recipes and cocktail styling by David Wolowidnyk

NICOLE MACKAY Nicole MacKay is a wine writer and consultant who holds her Level 3 Certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and is a member of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada. Her passion for wine was sparked in the summer of 2004 while working in the tasting room of an Okanagan winery. That passion grew, as did the desire to explore the stories behind the bottles, which led to the creation of her own website, SocialSips.ca. Follow her on Instagram @SocialSips.

Tequila’s role in the Margarita cannot be overstated; it is truly iconic.

I n the heat of summer, there’s nothing quite like the first sip of a Margarita. Whether lying on a sandy beach or enjoying it at home after a laboured session of hauling groceries from the car, there’s no doubt that the world- famous cocktail’s contrast of sour and sweet has become popular worldwide. A classic Margarita’s bright and tangy flavour derives from the perfect balance between the earthiness of one- and-a-half parts tequila, the sweetness of one part orange liqueur and the tang of one part fresh lime juice. It’s typically served over ice and garnished with salt on the rim, but variations are limitless.

Tequila’s role in the Margarita cannot be overstated; it is truly iconic. Blanco (silver) tequila is the most common, as it has a clean, crisp flavour. The quality of the tequila used is essential, as it can significantly affect the overall taste of the cocktail. One hundred percent agave tequila is considered higher quality, providing a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience. When selecting an option for mixing a Margarita, look for “100 percent de agave” or “puro de agave” on the label. Blanco tequila is the optimal choice for a Margarita for one very practical reason: its aging process. Blancos are the youngest style of tequila; they have no

CLASSIC MARGARITA 1 lime wedge, to rim glass kosher salt, to rim glass 1½ oz (45 ml) Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver Tequila or Teremana Tequila Blanco 1 oz (30 ml) Cointreau * 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice lime wheel, for garnish

Moisten outer rim of a rocks glass with lime wedge and rim glass with kosher salt. In a cocktail shaker with some cubed ice, combine tequila, Cointreau and lime juice. Shake vigorously and pour into prepared rocks glass. Garnish with lime wheel.

* Available at BCLIQUOR. SKU: 6502

ingredient in Classic Margarita

TEREMANA TEQUILA BLANCO Mexico $56.99 45690 Fresh and herbal on the nose, this tequila has bright, citrusy pineapple notes supported by distinct agave and prickly pepper with a delightfully crisp and zesty finish.

JOSE CUERVO TRADICIONAL SILVER TEQUILA Mexico $38.49 272542 This is a versatile tequila with expressive cactus and pickled jalapeño aromatics plus notes of tropical kiwi and citrus peel. It is light and vibrant with a slight peppercorn finish.

bcliquorstores.com

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