TALK DRINKS

Classic Cocktails Get a New Twist with Tequila

Every bartender knows that Tequila is one of the world’s most versatile spirits. Tequila can be used as a substitute for gin, bourbon and rum in many cocktails. Personally, I find it easy to work with tequila because of its extreme flexibility, the various taste profiles within different types and the three main categories of tequila: Blanco, Reposado and Añejo.

The key to the successful substitution of Tequila in classic cocktails such as the Manhattan, Martini, Old-Fashioned and the Mojito is simply being familiar with the various tastes, notes and nuances of the different tequilas. I am a big fan of some classics, but Tequila proves to be the perfect anecdote for refreshing them. You will be surprised how good a Martini can taste with a fruity Blanco, Lillet and a grapefruit twist. Try adding a Partida Blanco to a Mojito (or even a Reposado to add extra depth), the Cuban classic. You will have an easy time making a delicious Manhattan or Old-Fashioned when you work with an añejo with deep oak tones.

So, don’t settle for the old standards, spice up your classic cocktails with a bit of tequila. Cheers - Jacques

South African Adventures

It's been 2 years since I've had a chance to visit my home, South Africa. It will be interesting to see how the cocktail culture has changed since I've been away. I will have some great stories to tell when I get back. Cheers for now - Jacques

A Photo Essay about Tequila ......

At the Partida Fabrica "Tequila Heaven"

At the Partida Tequila Distillery

Growing the Blue Agave, 7 - 10 yrs

The Legend Himself, Don Partida

Harvesting a 120lb pina. Boy, that's hard work!!!

Cocktails in New York (Part 3)

I was beginning to feel the previous two nights of revelry but I could not stay in on my final night in New York. Also my friend Gary Regan called me up to head out for a few cocktails. How can you say “NO” to cocktails with Gary? So it was off again. First stop was Freemans where we enjoyed some Rye Manhattans. If you have a chance check this place out as they do a great job and it has a very lively energy. We then found ourselves in the Blue Owl a small whole in the wall but great atmosphere and cocktails. Had the bartender whip us up some Negroni's and after sharing some stories with Gary we had to move on to see what else was out there. We found ourselves at PDT (Please Don't Tell); an unbelievable place. You have to go through a Hot Dog shop then get into a phone booth and wait for the door to open on the other side. On the other side a very cool cocktail world opened up in front of us. My friend Jim Meehan helped create the cocktails here; very creative list. When you go there try the Trident cocktail made with some Manzanilla Sherry. Behind the bar they have a small door that opens to the Hot Dog Shop so you can order some dogs, fries and tater tots. What else could be better than some hand crafted cocktails and hot dogs. Brilliant! We also partook in some Partida shots to wash the hot dogs down. That was it. Gary crushed me and it was time to say goodnight to Manhattan. I look forward to coming back to this Cocktail Town. Salud – Jacques

Cocktails in New York (Part 2)

For my second night in Manhattan we had a special bartender’s dinner set-up at Public Restaurant hosted by Partida Tequila. Naren Young and myself set out to pair some Partida cocktails with the delicious food from Public. We had some great friends attend to sample some tasty cocktails and food. We started the evening with some Partida Margaritas made with Agave Nectar which once again saved all of us from the heat. Naren stirred up some very good Partida Anejo Manhattans. Here are the drinks:

Partida Margarita

Partida Blanco shaken with Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice and Partida Organic Agave Nectar and served on the rocks.

Voyeur

Partida Anejo stirred with Dubonnet Rouge, Cointreau and bitters and served on the stem.

Cocktails in New York (Part 1)

I am very excited to be back in New York again as this is one of my favorite cocktail cities to be drinking in. Shortly after getting off a long flight and experiencing the New York heat, it was time for a Margarita!! Dos Caminos was a welcoming sight and the Partida Margarita even more inviting and a delicious cure for the rising temperatures. Eben Klemm who is the Mixologist for the BR Guest Restaurant Group does a brilliant job here with a good selection of 100% Agave Tequilas and some very fresh cocktails. The evening found me at the bar at the Gramercy Tavern. I have always loved this Bar & Restaurant as they do everything right from the beers to the cocktails and the wonderful food. I was lucky as Jim Meehan was behind the bar and he is a great bartender at that. Very knowledgeable about spirits, makes wonderful cocktails and is a nice guy on top of all that! After a memorable experience being hosted by Jim it was off to Death & Company for a night cap. A little speakeasy haunt that takes their cocktails very seriously. I had a Smoky Old Fashioned cocktail made with Tequila and Mezcal. The night would not be done without sharing a couple of Partida Tequilas with the bartender. That got me on my merry way happily looking forward to couple more nights in Manhattan. Cheers – Jacques

Partida Mixologist Dinner

This past Monday night, I found myself enjoying a cocktail and food pairing with some of the best mixologists in the country.  The feature cocktails were made with Partida Blanco, Reposado and Añejo.  There was a pleasant surprise at the end of the night when we all got a chance to taste Partida Elegante Extra Añejo.  It was absolutely remarkable.  I highly recommend you do your best to get a bottle of Partida Elegante Extra Añejo, because this extraordinary Tequila is numbered and produced in a limited quantity.

This was a wonderful experience with great cocktails and amazing food.  If you are looking for a new experience try pairing your next meal with a cocktail. Cheers - Junior

Cocktails in L.A.

Just returning from a quick trip to LA. Normally, it is pretty tough to get a good cocktail in LA. Thankfully this is becoming a little easier due to a small group of bartenders that are taking the craft seriously and are enjoying educating their customers and other bartenders on making delicious fresh cocktails and quality spirits.

Tales of the Cocktail, New Orleans

I just returned from Tales of the Cocktail. For anyone that didn't get a chance to go, you should definitely plan on heading down to NOLA next year. It was an incredible experience with everyone from around the country and as far away as London, Amsterdam & Bratislava. It was 5 days filled with intense Cocktail, Spirits & Bar seminars hosted by the likes of Dale de Groff, Tony Abou-Ganim,  Ted Haigh, Robert Hess, Audrey Saunders, Tony Congigliari from London along with countless other Bar fly's. Nights where filled with cocktail dinners, Sazeracs, Pimms Cups and plenty of Tequila. Check out www.talesofthecocktail.com for next year’s dates and seminars. Cheers to Ann Rogers for setting up such a wonderful event. Cheers for now - Jacques