Act II: cocktails

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Cinco de Mayo-Margarita Love

I had the most wonderful margarita over the weekend. I'm not a margarita drinker, but this was an incredible cocktail. I also liked that it was a margarita for grown folks-not all blender-ed up and rimmed in sugar, salt, or sugary salt. I questioned the bartender, did a bit of research, learned a little something, and got quite tipsy in the process.

Use a tequila that's 100% agave. What does that mean? Dictionary.com:

aga·ve definition

Pronunciation: /ə-ˈgäv-ē/
Function: n
1 cap : a genus of plants (family Agavaceae) that are native to tropical America and to the southwestern United States, have spiny-margined leaves in basal rosettes and tall spikes of flowers, and include some that are cultivated for their fiber or sap or for ornamen

The bartender used the recipe borrowed from Gaston Martinez, a "brand ambassador" for Milagro Tequila. I've reprinted his recipe below for the "World's Freshest Margarita":

Always use fresh lime juice.
Use agave nectar as your sweetener.
Water is a key ingredient in a good margarita-shake well so some of the ice will melt.
Always pour your margarita over fresh ice.

2oz tequila (Gaston suggests Milagro Silver tequila)
1 oz Agave Nectar (Milagro also makes this)
1 oz Lime Juice
Served in a Rocks Glass
Garnished with a Lime Wheel

Monday, May 3, 2010

Kentucky Derby Style

The Kentucky Derby is THE place where you will see the creme de la creme of millinery. The ladies come from all over for the chance to be the ultimate southern belle in dressed up hats with feathers, flowers, and ribbon. Everyone (actors, models, athletes) shows up to see the race, but also to be seen. Especially to be seen. A look at past and current looks:

Courtesy

Mint Julep is the drink of the Kentucky Derby.
Cocktail Times says that the drink originated with the Derby in 1938 when it was served in souvenir glasses for 75 cents. The drink's name first appeared in print in 1803 when it was explained as a "dram of spirituous liquor that has mint in it, taken by Virginians in the morning." The story went that farmers drank a mint julep in the morning, like coffee, to get them going for the day. Historians also say that the drink's origin traces back to Arabia with a drink called the "julab" made of water and rose petals. The silver or pewter cup is part of the mint julep's tradition - these materials stay cold longer, and they are frosted before the icy drink is poured into them.

Courtesy