TALK DRINKS

Partida Elegante - Extra Anejo

Partida Tequila has just released a new Tequila that is nothing short of incredible. On my most recent trip to the Partida Fabrica in Mexico, I was one of lucky few who had a chance to sample the Partida Elegante - Extra Anejo before its release. The Elegante, made with fully matured agave plants and aged for more than 3 years in American whiskey barrels, is like no Tequila I have ever tasted. Each crystal bottle has its own silver spirit bird necklace, crystal stopper, number of authenticity and comes in an individual padded case. This Tequila is truly a labor of love. During my trip, I saw one of the first shipments being packaged and loaded for delivery. The Elegante is available now in the US, but only in a limited quantity. If you are a Tequila Aficionado, then you must try the Partida Elegante Extra Anejo. Salud - Junior

South African Adventures: Recap

It's been a while since my last post. I just got back a week ago from a trip to my home country of South Africa. Had an incredible time being back and experiencing the South African way of life. Unfortunately the cocktail trend has not quite hit SA in a big way. There is always a cocktail list but only a few have interesting offerings that aren't some sweet style Martini's. Then again SA has never had a Cocktail tradition but I am sure this will come as I have seen the cocktail revival spreading throughout the world.

Traditionally, SA has had a strong Beer & Wine tradition with the Gin & Tonic being a contender for the leading cocktail. As it is warm in SA for about seven months of the year the G&T can be very refreshing as you may imagine. It is one of my favorite summertime drinks with the Margarita. When it is served properly with a decent Indian Tonic, Good ice and a London Dry Gin or Plymouth Gin then this is a very simple drink that is hard to beat.

I had to fly over with some Partida Tequila as you rarely find good Tequila in SA. It is too expensive to import. I hope down the line they'll figure out how to getting in some more Tequilas because there are many people in SA that have grown to love 100% Agave and Partida. With all that good weather a fresh squeezed Partida Margarita would challenge the G&T for first place cocktail of choice.

Cheers for now - Jacques

Viva Mexico

It was a great honor this weekend that I was invited to mix cocktails at the consulate on Mexican Independence Day, Sept 16. What a fantastic evening!!! Delicious hors d'oeuvres were served by Cafe Frida. Partida Tequila was the official spirit of the evening. We mixed both the Pina Partida and the Partida Margarita, which were flying off the trays. Guests also had a chance to sample each of the 3 types of Tequila: Blanco, Reposado and Anejo. After the event, an after party was hosted at Cafe Frida where a singer and mariachi band serenaded us with traditional Mexican music. It was an evening that really brought me back to my roots. Salud - Junior