Tequila Time Before it’s Time Up

According to a recent report by Reuters, due to dwindling agave crops, the world needs to prepare itself to deal with an imminent tequila shortage. We bring you seven tequila-based cocktails that will help you tank up on your favourite tipple…before the magic from Mexico runs dry!

By Raul Dias

Jalapeño Surprise
This one’s like a drinkable fiesta for all your senses, combining two Mexican favourites in one mean drink. This ultra-potent cocktail developed by Manish Thakur, the sous chef at Scribble Stories, is prepared by mixing tequila with fresh jalapeño, egg white, Tabasco and orange juice. All this is served in a tilted glass, with two jaunty slivers of jalapeño as garnish.
At Scribble Stories, 21B, Santhal ONGC Complex, Opposite Lilavati Hospital, Reclamation, Bandra West
Call 26400754
Cost Rs 550

Berried Treasure
​Deception in a shot glass! That’s what we call this innocent-looking, shot-style tequila cocktail. Look past it’s creamy countenance and you’ll see what we’re talking about. Conceptualised by Estella’s bar manager, Rakesh Pardeshi, this creamy shot is a gorgeous blend of tequila and muddled strawberries, layered with Baileys Irish Cream liqueur and topped with a swirl of fresh cream.
At Estella, Nichani Kutir, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu
Call 7999998232
Cost Rs 499

Jalapeño Honey
Here, house-made jalapeño-infused El Jimador Blanco tequila is shaken with honey syrup and lemon juice by John Leese, Olive’s beverage and bar development manager and served in a rocks glass. A jalapeño tail garnish finishes off this cocktail that has a definite bite to it. You’ve been warned!
At Olive Bar & Kitchen, 14 Union Park, Khar West
Call 43408229
Cost Rs 800

Mexican Firing Squad
Look past its shocking pink hue and take a long sip of this tequila cocktail to realise that it means business. A potent sum of its Camino tequila, grenadine, lime and bitters parts, the cocktail is developed by One Street Over’s bar manager Ashitosh Narayanan, who sends it off garnished with a slice of lime, shaken with ice and served in a dainty coupe glass.
At One Street Over, Ground Floor, 35th Street, Off Linking Road, Khar West
Call 26002224
Cost Rs 500

Kala Khatta Margarita
Reflective of the Indian dining and bartending scene’s favourite go-to word “fusion”, this Mexico-meets-India tequila cocktail is a tart treat. Made from just three ingredients—tequila, kala khatta and chaat masala by Tanaji Shirke, the senior bartender at Copper Chimney Worli, we love this jugaad of a cocktail, served all frozen up slushie-style!
At Copper Chimney Worli, Door No.12-A, Lotus Court, Dr. A.B. Road, Worli
Call 24925353
Cost Rs 525

La Di Da
As its name alludes to, this tequila cocktail is that quintessential drink with sophisticated, complex and urban flavours and it shows off the best of tequila in a wonderful way. Chef and founder of The Boston Butt, Siddharth Kashyap who came up with this drink, prefers to have it shaken and stirred in a cocktail glass. The Bianco tequila, avocado, basil and pineapple juice allow the spirit to shine through all its glory. And shine it sure does!
At The Boston Butt, 1^st floor, Rampart Row, 30 K. Dubash Marg, Kalaghoda, Fort
Call 9892447669/69470000
Cost Rs 411


Mexican Sunset
​Perfectly referencing the natural phenomenon of a sunset that it is named after in its look, this cocktail developed by Old Wild West’s assistant bartender, Vivek Talekar is a perfect blend of spice and fruit with a fiery twist. Flavoured with orange, jalapeño and grenadine, this shaken tropical tequila libation is sure to get the party started, come sunset!
At Old Wild West, 1^st floor, Trade View Building, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel
Call 65376677
Cost Rs 499

(An edited version of this article appeared in the 12th February 2018 issue of the Mid-Day newspaper, India https://m.mid-day.com/articles/seven-tequila-based-cocktails-to-tank-up-before-the-drink-dries-up/19053176)