National Margarita Day takes place every year on 22nd February. Traditionally a US-focused celebration, the Margarita is not only the world's most popular cocktail, but also the UK's, according to research commissioned by Funkin Cocktails and reported in Decanter last year. After the last two years, this is surely something worth celebrating!
A classic Margarita consists of tequila, lime juice, and Triple Sec or orange liqueur, typically served 'straight up' (without ice) in a margarita coupette cocktail glass with salt around the rim. Alternatively, they can be served over ice or as 'frozen' (blended with ice like a Slushie).
There are many versions of the Margarita cocktail with a myriad of flavours as diverse as strawberry, green tea or even chocolate. Check out the numerous recipes, easily available online.
The origins of the Margarita are mysterious. Some say it was invented in Mexico, while others claim it's a Texan tradition. It appears to have developed from a Victorian-era cocktail, that became popular in the 1930s and 1940s, called the 'Daisy'. Blending a base spirit, such as brandy, gin, rum, vodka or whiskey, with citrus juice and a sweetened syrup like grenadine, it was only a matter of time until tequila was used. Eventually, this version became known by the Spanish word for daisy - 'margarita'.
If instead of using 100% Weber Blue agave, a minimum of 51% is used with cheaper sugar cane spirit making up the rest of the blend, then it's called mixto.
Tequila is a spirit made from the Weber blue agave plant. The large bulb (piña), which looks like a pineapple and has spent 7-10 years growing beneath the ground, is baked in an oven until the starch converts to sugar. Once the juice has been extracted, this is then fermented with yeast prior to being distilled in a pot or column still. Tequila can only be made in five Mexican states, including Jalisco where the town of Tequila is located and much of the spirit is produced.
There are five distinct types of tequila - Blanco or silver (unaged), Joven (containing a small amount of aged tequila blended with unaged), Reposado (aged in oak barrels for 2-12 months), Añejo (aged in oak barrels for at least 1 year) and Extra Añejo (aged in oak barrels for at least 3 years). While the ageing process often imparts colour, some tequilas can have a golden hue through the use of caramel or other additives.
Now is also a good time to celebrate the growing popularity of tequila. According to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, agave-based spirits grew nearly 20% by volume in 2021, becoming the third largest spirits category in the US, behind vodka and whisk(e)y. In the UK, tequila has also been enjoying increased sales. The Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) reports that over one and a half million bottles of tequila were sold in Britain in the 12 months to September 2021, worth £33 million. This is up 36% on the same period the year before.
Lockdown saw many people experimenting with cocktails at home while hospitality venues were closed. While lockdown restrictions have eased, the home mixology trend is set to grow further. So, regardless of its history, National Margarita Day offers a fantastic opportunity to practise your tequila cocktail-making skills from the comfort of your living room … before heading out to your favourite cocktail venue!
One premium brand that offers a selection of tequilas to grace anyone's spirits selection is Maestro Dobel. Known as Mexico's first family of Tequila and pioneers in the field, they are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation. Based in Jalisco, Maestro Dobel produces a range of 100% Weber blue agave tequilas. Eleventh generation Master Blender Juan DOmingo BEckmann Legorreta (hence the name) is the genius creator of two world firsts: a Cristalino (see below) multi-aged tequila, Diamante and a smoked silver tequila, Humito. Both make an ideal spirit base for Margaritas and can be used to elevate the humble three-part serve.
Their flagship product and the one with which they launched their brand in 2008, is Diamante (originally labelled Diamond). Despite being a blend of aged tequilas, this is a Cristalino, a crystal clear tequila that's been filtered to remove impurities and colour, while retaining most of the oak-derived flavours and texture plus the fruity and floral character of the unaged component.
Maestro Dobel Humito (RRP £48) is inspired by artisanal 17th century production techniques. While smoky mezcal is currently enjoying fashionable status, Humito, meaning little smoked, is the world's first smoked silver tequila. It is made by incorporating aromatic mesquite wood during the cooking of the agave.
Appearance: Bright and clear with a light silvery sheen.
Aroma: Floral, smoky and woody notes with touches of Asian pear, dried berries and butterscotch.
Taste: Elegant, complex and refined with light, smoky, woody notes, touches of Lapsang Souchong tea, sweet caramel, honey, salted butter and pepper spice plus hints of roasted nuts, lemon peel and vanilla on a long finish.
So, how about a cocktail made with Maestro Dobel Humito? This one is a delicious recipe, provided by the company.
🍸 You can find Maestro Dobel tequilas at Harvey Nichols and online via drinks specialist sites, including The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt.
