ola cabrons. Cinco de Mayo is a mere day away so I’m hitting you with back-to-back Mexicano inspired recipes. Today’s is in liquid form, and a fierce one at that.
Funny story: One time Megs, my buddy Kyle, and I were promising freshman at the glorious Appalachian State University and decided to spend our last evening on campus in true celebration. One thing led to another and I swore off Rum for all of eternity…
Fast forward 3 rum-free years and I found myself at the bar of a crowded outdoor dance club in Firenze’s Central Park puzzled on what to order. I was out of my element, it was my first night at a European club and beers were more expensive than mixed drinks. PLUS, my new Italian buddy Adriano gave me a handful of drink vouchers good for anything at the bar – besides beer! As I stared in hazy confusion at the bar tender yelling over the crowd in my direction I heard my voice ring out: “Un mojito con tequila.”
Am I a genius? Pull up your chicos, adorn your favorite sombrero and find out chullo!
Paulie’s Tequila Mojito
2 Shots Tequila Blanco (Corralejo is my favorite, sweet as sugar)
1/2 Lime
1 Tbs Turbinado Sugar (the natural kind with a brown hue thanks to the remaining molasses)
Small handful of Mint
Splash of cold water, club soda or seltzer
Hardware: Sturdy Glass, Muddler (or some other blunt, wooden object),
Step 1: Cut your lime half into 1/2″ chunks that will be easily smashed to smithereens with your trusty muddler.
Step 2: Toss lime pieces in a heavy glass. Top with sugar and mint and muddle to hell, crushing the mix into a pulpy mess until the sugar has dissolved.
Step 3: Add tequila and stir vigorously.
Step 4: Add enough large ice cubes to bring the drink 3/4 up the glass. Top off with either cold water, seltzer or club soda. Stir to combine and drink up.
Ooooo it’s a fiesta in my boca! Tangy lime, fragrant mint, assertive tequila and the sweet hum of agave and raw sugar. My measurements, as usual, are pretty rough but this drink is fool proof and you can add more tequila, lime juice, sugar, water or mint on a whim.
How could you make this any better? Hows about some chipotle-bbq baby back ribs – tune in tomorrow pappi.
Paulie’s Spark Notes: 1. Smash up some stuff, 2. Add Tequila, 3. Party
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