One of the coolest things about Margaritas is that they’re quick and easy to whip up for a crowd, no matter the occasion. But when the occasion observed rightly falls on ‘World Margarita Day’, you should expect no less than a high-spirited gathering, especially when the host is as ever supercharged as the Patrón Perfectionist SA winner, Sabrina Traubner was throughout the afternoon.
With her contagious enthusiasm and energy on tow, the Cape Town bartender had the packed Margarita Masterclass (at Mamasamba eatery, Rosebank) in high spirits as she gave guests a peek into, first, her fascinating 7-year journey as a mixologist, before later sharing fascinating titbits on why the flavourful, classic Margarita cocktail has remained a top-tier cooler (7th most sought-after cocktail in the world, according to the latest Bacardi Trends Report), along with versatile and creative ways to enjoy it.
Though the history of Margarita remains a mystery, its origins in Mexico date back to 1936, with the four main popular components being tequila, salt, lime and a sweetener. However, depending on one’s palate, it can be spiced up – with the right garnishing – to elevate the taste and the experience.
In case you’re wondering what’s the easiest and creative way to start with in order to add that savory zing to it, it’s simple. “Twist up your salt by either using a different type of salt for garnishing – maldon or smoked maldon – or by adding another fresh herb or spice with the salt, like cinnamon or thyme,” recommends Sabrina.
She adds that the garnish in the cocktail is meant to enhance the flavours that are already present in the Patrón Tequila spirit, and not to overpower it.
Patrón World Margarita Day; a jovial, festive atmosphere
The excitement in the room was palpable and belied the anticipation that comes with the sampling of one of the world’s most loved tequila brands.
And it was refreshing, for a change, seeing people perked up in their seats in the long chef-style table put away their phones and engaged in fun down-the-pub conversations with each other.
The jovial crowd, made-up of great mix of some of the well-known faces in the likes of TV personalities Abigail Visagie, Naomi K, Nicole Capper, as well as celebrity stylist and actress Tshiamo Modisane among others, clearly came prepared to unleash their inner mixologists and it helped greatly that the sessions were interactive and super fun – all thanks to our passionate and enthusiastic host, Sabrina Traubner.
Super-easy Patrón cocktail recipes
CLASSIC PATRÓN MARGARITA RECIPE
The classic Patrón Margarita is super easy to make. Served on the rocks, this homemade margarita recipe with fresh ingredients is timeless.
INGREDIENTS
45 ml Patrón Silver
30 ml Orange Liqueur
22.5 ml Fresh Lime Juice
7.5 ml Simple syrup
+ Lime wedge for garnish
+Salt Optional
METHOD
- Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously with ice to chill.
- Strain onto fresh ice in a rocks glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
- Optionally, salt half the rim of the glass with kosher salt.
PATRÓN PALOMA RECIPE
Patrón Terquila is versatile and comes in different age variants that can be infused with cocktails beyond just the Margarita. While there’s Jalisco Mule infused with Patrón Silver that can easily be made at home, there’s the more delicate Paloma cocktail, which requires good quality ingredients, starting from Tequila; in this case the Patrón Reposado, that perfectly blends well with grapefruit, soda and lime.
INGREDIENTS
45 ml Patrón Reposado
30 ml Grapefruit juice
15 ml Soda
15 ml Lime juice
10 ml Honey water
1 drop Habenero sauce+Chili and lime wheel for garnish
METHOD
- Add all ingredients except soda to a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top off with soda.
- Garnish with chili and lime wheel.
For more tequila-infused cocktail inspirations to try at home, visit www.patrontequila.com
