TASTE_Summer2023

It’s a Classic for a Reason While the true origin of the classic

aging requirement, but may spend up to two months in oak, garnering little to no colour. In contrast, Reposado or Añejo tequila, aged up to 12 months and three years, respectively, would garner additional flavour and colour, significantly influencing the character of a classic Margarita. A Blank Slate for Flavour While some might argue that blanco tequila is a Margarita go-to because of its neutrality, it’s actually because of its transparency, allowing the complexity of the agave plant and diversity of flavours to shine. All tequila is made from agave, native to the Jalisco state of Mexico. The spirit is produced by harvesting the agave plant (which takes seven years to mature) and roasting the core, or piña, in a large oven. Once roasted, the piña is crushed, and the juice is fermented and distilled to produce tequila. Much like wine, the terroir in which the agave grows influences tequila’s character. From soil to topography to climate, characteristics can range from fruity and herbal to citrusy and spicy. This variance gives near-endless mixing possibilities, lending a customizable base to experiment with classic, spicy, or alternative flavour-filled Margarita recipes.

Margarita cocktail is not truly known, there’s little debate that Jose Cuervo, one of North America’s most famous tequila brands, has helped facilitate the cocktail’s popularity for nearly 150 years. With origins since 1795, it was in 1880 that Jose Cuervo became the first tequila brand to bottle its spirit instead of shipping in barrels—a move that helped the brand transport tequila north of Mexico’s border more efficiently than its competitors. For this reason, we turn to Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver for our classic Margarita. It delivers aromas of pickled jalapeños and sea brine with tinges of peppercorn and citrus peel to the classic concoction. For a modernized version, try Teremana, from wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson. Since launching in 2020, Teremana has become one of North America’s leading tequila brands, with a clean and crisp profile,

SPICY ELDERFLOWER MARGARITA 1 lime wedge, to rim glass

Tajín seasoning, to rim glass 1½ oz (45 ml) Don Julio Blanco Tequila or Sierra Silver Tequila 1 oz (30 ml) Bols Elderflower Liqueur * 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice 1 jalapeño, for muddling and garnish ** Moisten outer rim of a rocks glass with lime wedge and rim glass with Tajín. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 3 to 4 slices of jalapeño, then combine tequila, Bols Elderflower Liqueur and lime juice. Shake vigorously and fine strain over new ice into prepared rocks glass. Garnish with jalapeño slices.

highlighting bright citrus aromas and straightforward agave notes.

* Available at BCLIQUOR. SKU: 445996 ** Remove seeds to control spice level.

ingredient in Spicy Elderflower Margarita

DON JULIO BLANCO TEQUILA Mexico $89.99 77321 The flavours lead with crisp agave alongside bright citrus, guava, papaya and white pepper notes with a grassy, peppery mid-palate evolving into a smooth finish.

SIERRA SILVER TEQUILA Mexico $34.99 222839 A round expression with refreshing fruit aromas of green apple and pineapple in this tequila unwind to display delicate chili notes and distinct agave on the finish.

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