Toreador

November 26, 2009

Andrew Nicholls Toreador , , , , Comments Off

The Toreador is one of the 15 Tequila based drinks in the Café Royal Cocktail Book, published in 1937. I have written the recipe as it appears in the book, which happens to be in parts, rather than ounces or ml.

1/2 Tequila

1/4 Apricot Brandy

1/4 Fresh Lime Juice

Shake

I am a massive fan of this drink!

As you can see, it’s very similar to the Picador and therefore the Margarita in terms of ingredients. The crucial difference is of course the use of Apricot Brandy in place of Cointreau, which in my opinion add a much richer fruity note without detracting anything from the Tequila or Fresh Lime Juice for that matter.

I sincerely hope to see more bars serving a Toreador near me…and you for that matter…

Tia Juano

November 26, 2009

Andrew Nicholls Tia Juano , , , , Leave a comment

The Tia Juano is one of the 15 Tequila based drinks in the Café Royal Cocktail Book, published in 1937. I have written the recipe as it appears in the book, which happens to be in parts, rather than ounces or ml.

1/8 Campari

3/8 French Vermouth

1/2 Tequila

Shake

The whole 1/8 and 3/8 part can be a bit confusing, so I’ve translated it into the following for ease of use:

1/4 oz/7 ml Campari

3/4 oz/22 ml French Vermouth

2 oz/60 ml Tequila

Shake

I’m not going to add too much in line of commentary to this one as I’m hoping a few people will try it and post their own comments. I think there’ll be an interesting divide on this one…

Tequila

November 26, 2009

Andrew Nicholls Tequila , , , , Leave a comment

The Tequila is one of the 15 Tequila based drinks in the Café Royal Cocktail Book, published in 1937. I have written the recipe as it appears in the book, which happens to be in parts, rather than ounces or ml.

1/3 Fresh Lime or Lemon Juice

Teaspoonful of Grenadine

2/3 Tequila

Shake

The Tequila is essentially the same as the drink entitled Mexico, with Grenadine replacing Syrup.

For more of my thoughts on the Tequila drink, please see the Mexico.

Tequardo

November 26, 2009

Andrew Nicholls Tequardo , , , , Leave a comment

The Tequardo is one of the 15 Tequila based drinks in the Café Royal Cocktail Book, published in 1937. I have written the recipe as it appears in the book, which happens to be in parts, rather than ounces or ml.

1/3 Tequila

1/3 Daiquiri Rum

1/3 Orange Juice

Shake

This is not a drink for the faint hearted!

By daiquiri rum, the author means light Cuban style rum that would typically be used for a daiquiri.

My challenge to all those you care, is to play around with the ratio of ingredients for this one and please leave a comment with your findings…

Sombrero

November 26, 2009

Andrew Nicholls Sombrero , , , , , Comments Off

The Sombrero is one of the 15 Tequila based drinks in the Café Royal Cocktail Book, published in 1937. I have written the recipe as it appears in the book, which happens to be in parts, rather than ounces or ml.

1/4 Italian Vermouth

1/4 French Vermouth

1/2 Tequila

Squeeze Lemon Peel on top

Shake

Another one, which in my opinion should be stirred. I really like the added complexity of an Anejo Tequila (100% Agave) in the Sombrero, but if you’re looking to cut down on complexity and add more of a delicious agave note, a blanco will work wonders.

The squeezed lemon peel on top works like a charm…

Senorita

November 26, 2009

Andrew Nicholls Senorita , , , , , , Leave a comment

The Senorita is one of the 15 Tequila based drinks in the Café Royal Cocktail Book, published in 1937. I have written the recipe as it appears in the book, which happens to be in parts, rather than ounces or ml.

1/3 Gin

1/3 Tequila

1/3 Fresh Lime or Lemon Juice

2 dashes Grenadine

Shake

In my opinion, two dashes of Grenadine doesn’t quite do the trick. I would up the Grenadine to the point where you feel it balances the acidity of the Lime or Lemon juice. I personally prefer Lime Juice is this drink and will recommend nothing less than freshly squeezed juice!

Rio Grande

November 26, 2009

Andrew Nicholls Rio Grande , , , , , Leave a comment

The Rio Grande is one of the 15 Tequila based drinks in the Café Royal Cocktail Book, published in 1937. I have written the recipe as it appears in the book, which happens to be in parts, rather than ounces or ml.

1/3 Italian Vermouth

1/3 Gin

1/3 Tequila

Shake

Once again, the recipe calls for the drink to be shaken, but I don’t see the point. I tried stirring the Rio Grande and in my opinion, it produces a superior drink.

If you appreciate a strong, complex drink, you’ll love this one. Don’t be shy to reach for ingredients with “balls” for this one. In my opinion, a gin with a big whack of botanicals, a rich and complex Italian Vermouth and an Agave loaded Reposado Tequila are exactly what you want.

The Rio Grande is great served in a coup and I found a twist of lemon zest to be a nice little touch.

Pinequila

November 26, 2009

Andrew Nicholls Pinequila , , , Leave a comment

The Pinequila is one of the 15 Tequila based drinks in the Café Royal Cocktail Book, published in 1937. I have written the recipe as it appears in the book, which happens to be in parts, rather than ounces or ml.

1/3 Pineapple Juice

2/3 Tequila

Shake

Picador

November 26, 2009

Andrew Nicholls Picador , , , , , Leave a comment

The Picador is one of the 15 Tequila based drinks in the Café Royal Cocktail Book, published in 1937. I have written the recipe as it appears in the book, which happens to be in parts, rather than ounces or ml.

1/4 fresh Lime or Lemon Juice

1/4 Cointreau

1/2 Tequila

Shake

If the ingredients to this drink look familiar, thats because they are exactly the same as the drink we commonly call the Margarita. Same ingredients, but different name leaves numerous questions begging to be answered.

Is it possible that the same drink was created on opposite sides of the Atlantic, differing only in name?

Or, bearing in mind that that the Café Royal Cocktail Book was published in 1937, is it possible that the Margarita was actually created in London under the name Picador in the early 1930′s and changed name after reaching the U.S.A?

My advise on the matter is make the above recipe, call it what you like then sit back and ponder. If by the end of the drink you still have no answer, make yourself another and try again…

Mexico

November 26, 2009

Andrew Nicholls Mexico , , , Leave a comment

The Mexico is one of the 15 Tequila based drinks in the Café Royal Cocktail Book, published in 1937. I have written the recipe as it appears in the book, which happens to be in parts, rather than ounces or ml.

1/3 Fresh Lime or Lemon Juice

Teaspoonful Syrup

2/3 Tequila

Shake

I found this drink to be out of balance, but if your a fan of very sour, then this could very well be your thing.

Give it a try and share your thoughts….

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