Tommy's Margarita

Tommy's Margarita

Alessandro Scire Calabrisotto

Tommy's Margarita: A Bold Twist on a Classic

The Tommy's Margarita is a modern variation of the iconic margarita that has captured the hearts of cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. Named after Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, where it was first introduced in the 1990s, this simple yet bold cocktail has become a staple in many bars and home cocktail collections. Unlike the traditional margarita, which combines tequila, lime, and orange liqueur, the Tommy’s Margarita replaces the orange liqueur with agave syrup, enhancing the agave-forward flavors of the tequila and making it slightly sweeter and smoother.

History of Tommy's Margarita

The story of the Tommy’s Margarita begins at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant, a beloved establishment in San Francisco. The cocktail was created by Julio Bermejo, the son of the restaurant’s owner, who was passionate about bringing out the best qualities of tequila. Julio’s version of the margarita was a departure from the typical recipe, which often included triple sec or other orange liqueurs. Instead, he substituted agave syrup, a natural sweetener derived from the same plant as tequila, which enhances the drink's agave flavor without overpowering it.

Tommy’s Margarita became an instant hit, and it wasn’t long before it gained popularity far beyond the restaurant’s walls. Over the years, it has become a favorite in tequila-focused bars and has even been adopted by many bartenders as the "better" margarita due to its more balanced and natural sweetness. The cocktail’s rise to fame helped introduce many drinkers to the diversity of tequila beyond the typical cocktails, contributing to the broader appreciation of high-quality agave spirits.

Tommy's Margarita Recipe

The beauty of the Tommy's Margarita lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, it’s a cocktail that puts the spotlight on the quality of the tequila. This version of the margarita is refreshing, smooth, and balanced—perfect for sipping or enjoying with a meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz blanco tequila (100% agave)
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • ¾ oz agave syrup (or to taste)
  • Ice
  • Lime wedge for garnish (optional)

Execution:

  1. Prepare the Glass: Start by chilling your glass with ice or by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup.
  3. Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
  4. Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail into the chilled glass over fresh ice.
  5. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel on the rim of the glass.
  6. Enjoy: Sip and enjoy the pure, balanced flavors of this agave-forward cocktail!

Additional Tips

  • Tequila Quality: The key to a great Tommy’s Margarita is choosing high-quality blanco tequila that’s 100% agave. This ensures that the natural flavors of the tequila shine through and that the drink isn’t overwhelmed by artificial additives.
  • Agave Syrup: The amount of agave syrup can be adjusted based on your personal preference. If you like a sweeter drink, add a little extra syrup, but be careful not to make it too sweet, as the agave syrup should only enhance the tequila’s flavor, not dominate it.
  • Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is a must. Avoid bottled lime juice, as it lacks the vibrant and fresh acidity that elevates the cocktail.
  • Glassware: Tommy’s Margarita is often served in a short glass, such as an old-fashioned or rocks glass, to emphasize the simplicity of the cocktail.

Curious Facts About Tommy's Margarita

  • A Revolutionary Twist: The creation of the Tommy's Margarita marked a shift in margarita culture. By replacing triple sec with agave syrup, Julio Bermejo highlighted the natural sweetness of tequila and created a more balanced version of the classic margarita.
  • A Bar Favorite: The Tommy’s Margarita has since become a go-to for bartenders across the world, particularly in establishments that focus on high-quality tequila and agave spirits. It has even become a standard offering on many cocktail menus.
  • A Bartender's Secret: Bartenders often consider the Tommy’s Margarita to be the superior version of the margarita, as it brings out the pure, agave-forward flavor of the tequila without the distraction of sugary liqueurs.

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