The Margarita is deemed one of South Africa’s all-time favourite cocktails. It is super simple to make, refreshing, and versatile. As the world celebrates this most loved summer sipper during Margarita Week, PATRÓN Perfectionists national winner, Sabrina Traubner shares why this full-of-flavour cocktail remains a top-tier cooler, she also shares versatile ways to enjoy it.

“The Margarita can be served in a variety of ways, but the most classic way its known to be served is frozen,” explains Sabrina. “This sweet-sour blend mix is usually the first type of cocktail most of us start exploring with, and as we evolve and our drink curiosity grows, we then start to discover many variations of this drink, the type of glassware it is served in, as well as how premium ingredients can transform its taste.”

According to the latest Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report, the Margarita is the 7^th most sought-after cocktail in the world – frequently ordered and created globally by many.

The history of the Margarita remains a mystery, though. Its origins in Mexico date back to 1936 – a drink that infuses the nation’s most popular spirit, tequila, salt, lime and a sweetener. These remain the four main components of the Margarita but can be spiced up to elevate the taste and the experience.

“Twist up your salt by either using a different type of salt – maldon or smoked maldon – or by adding another fresh herb or spice with the salt, like cinnamon or thyme,” recommends Sabrina. She adds that the garnish in the cocktail is meant to enhance the flavours that are already present in the PATRÓN Tequila spirit and is the easiest component to start with when exploring creative ways of serving this world’s favourite sipper.  

PATRÓN Tequila’s flavour profile has been consistent over the years. It is a handcrafted spirit, a production process that can be translated by many as the hard way – a journey PATRÓN never shies away from because the brand believes there are no shortcuts in pursuing perfection.

The tequila-making process requires love, care, attention and patience, as the best flavours of this spirit develop slowly and naturally – ensuring perfection with every sip. “PATRÓN Tequila is versatile and comes in different age variants that can be infused with cocktails beyond just the Margarita.

There’s the Paloma cocktail mixed with PATRÓN Reposado Tequila and the Jalisco Mule infused with PATRÓN Silver that one can easily make at home,” says Sabrina. 

Celebrate one of the world’s most famous cocktails, the Margarita, this International Margarita Week with this frivolous, fun, easy-to-make recipe by Sabrina. “The key to cocktail creation is to take risks. So if you want to try something or have leftover fruits, use them. Enjoy your Margarita,” she concludes.

The classic Patrón Margarita is super easy to make. Served on the rocks, this homemade margarita recipe with fresh ingredients is timeless.

The Classic Patrón Margarita

45 ml  Patrón Silver
30 ml  Orange Liqueur
22.5 ml  Fresh Lime Juice
7.5 ml  Simple syrup
+ Lime wedge for garnish
+Salt  Optional

METHOD

1. Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously with ice to chill.
2. Strain onto fresh ice in a rocks glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
3. Optionally, salt half the rim of the glass with kosher salt.

Paloma with Patrón Reposado

45 ml Patrón Reposado
30 ml Grapefruit juice
15 ml Soda
15 ml Lime juice
10 ml Honey water
1 drop Habenero sauce+Chili and lime wheel for garnish

METHOD

1. Add all ingredients except soda to a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
3. Top off with soda.
4. Garnish with chili and lime wheel.

For more tequila-infused cocktail inspirations to try at home, visit www.patrontequila.com