TEQUILA, POR FAVOR
What comes to mind when you hear the words “salt” and “lime” in the same sentence? Tequila might not be the answer, but it’s worth a shot! Made chiefly from the fermented sap of the blue agave succulent, this hallmark of Mexican culture undergoes two separate distillations within a six-step process: 1) harvesting, 2) baking, 3) extracting, 4) fermenting, 5) distilling...twice, and 6) aging. Modern tequila production dates back to the 1600s in Mexico, though this agave-derived spirit has Aztec origins as early as 250 AD. Today, it remains an integral and enduring part of Mexico’s economy and cultural pride, yet there’s no denying the sweeping impact tequila has made across the country’s borders. So this summer, plan tequila little time by sipping on this collection of tequila-based cocktails from some of the Central Valley’s favorite watering holes!
Mochuelo
Smoke and Embers | $14
El Silencio Mezcal, blood orange Italian soda, Absinthia Caged Heat Syrup, Tres Agaves Agave nectar, lime juice, and a Goslings Overproof Rum sugar flamed lime.
Just as the name suggests, this cocktail arrives flaming. A dash of cinnamon ignites sparks before the drinkable sculpture is extinguished tableside with a glass cloche, the act of which yields a smoky finish that echoes the use of tequila’s cousin, mezcal.
Tabachines Cocina
Condessa | $17
Don Fulano Blanco Tequila, Lillet Blanc, Western Fruit Exchange Blue Curaçao, and St-Germain.
If you’re constantly searching for new, uniquely crafted tequilas, this is the place to check out. A delightfully floral undertone will make this purple-hued concoction, topped with a single sprig of lavender, go down easily, but you’d be wise to treat it as a sipper to relish slowly.
Elbow Room
Bar & Grill
Spicy Summer Nights | $13
Corazón Blanco Tequila, Monin Guava Fruit Purée, Monin Agave nectar, lime juice, and jalapeño.
If guava is your thing, then this is about to be your favorite drink in Fresno. Equal parts sweet and spicy, the use of muddled jalapeño creates a striking pink and green color story with just enough bite, which is reinforced by a salty chili rim.
Azul Mexican Grill
Pomegranate Margarita | $13
Tequila (preferably a Reposado), triple sec, agave nectar, lime juice, and pomegranate juice.
For masterful margaritas, look no further. Each uses the same clean base recipe: good tequila, triple sec, freshly squeezed lime juice, and pure agave. You’re encouraged to request favorite tequilas and change up the flavor. Every creation will come beautifully garnished with only the freshest herbs.
The Vineyard
Restaurant & Bar
Crash Bomber | $11
Dulce Vida Blanco Tequila, Malibu Original Rum, Mr. Boston Triple Sec, Mr. Boston Peach Schnapps, and sweet & sour.
The house-original “Bombers” here come with your choice of alcohol (tequila or vodka) and are served one of two ways: over ice or as a shooter. Presented in a highball and topped with a maraschino cherry, its overarching fruitiness screams summertime.
Modernist Craft Cocktail Bar
Oaxacan Old Fashion | $13
Cimarron Blanco Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Bittermens Xocolatl Mole Bitters, Angostura Orange Bitters, agave nectar, and lemon and orange peel.
Familiar yet different, this classic is a spirit-forward cocktail that maintains a lightness (in both color and pallet) that makes it wonderfully appropriate for summer. Essences of lemon and orange flame-expressed across the top ensure that each sip is a multi-sensory experience.
Editorial Director Lauren Barisic
Photographer Don Dizon
