Earlier this summer, I decided the time had come for me to finally start wrestling with tequila cocktails. Until then, tequila had been a big blind spot for me, so over the past few months, I’ve tried to clear that up by playing with different bottlings and recipes to get a better idea of the spirit.
One of the first off-the-beaten-path tequila drinks I was introduced to was composed of (this is from memory, so I could be slightly off) reposado tequila, Lillet, Licor 43 and Peychaud’s bitters. It tasted like it should work, but it never completely did — the flavor was about 80 percent there, and I loved the interplay between the tequila and the Licor 43, but I couldn’t figure out what to do to make it go over the top.
Tonight I tackled it again, substituting amontillado sherry for the Lillet. I think the result is pretty good — maybe a tad on the sweet side — but I’m hoping that some of the licoristes that come by here could take a stab at it and let me know what they — what you — think. And, if it turns out I’ve reinvented the wheel and this drink has been on a bar menu somewhere for the past two years, I hope someone will let me know before I look like a TOTAL jackass.
Here’s the drink:
- 1 1/2 ounces reposado tequila (I used Herradura)
- 3/4 ounce Licor 43
- 3/4 ounce amontillado sherry (I used Hidalgo Napoleon amontillado)
- 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
Stir with ice, strain into chilled cocktail glass. Grapefruit twist.
So, anybody? Thoughts? Hello, is this thing on?
I’d give you an opinion, but Licor 43 is on my “wish list” because it is unavailable here. Boo.
But I find vanilla flavours and tequila do go well together.
i’ve never used amontillado but i really like manzanilla. i mix it with apple brandy and cynar in the “apple of eden”
manzanilla was supposedly adultered with chamomile hence the earth apple naming… i love how sherries accept sugar and it awakens their flavor.
the apple was the first fermented fruit… which led to the knowledge of good and evil. the reposado may not have been first but it led to my personal introduction to good and evil…
Likewise, I’d try it if I had any of the ingredients.
Been meaning to pick up some Licor 43 for a while now.
I’ve also never made it beyond silver tequilas for my home bar. That 90 proof Herradura silver is the bomb. I guess I really should get a bottle of reposado for my own edification, if nothing else.
When the pieces fall into place, I will let you know…
someone asked me for liqueur 43 last night… reminded me of your cocktail so i’m gonna pick some up tonight and test out the drink…
90 proof herradura? i most possess some…
Chuckle, 92 Proof, actually!
Herradura Tequila Blanco 92 proof
Picked up Licor 43 and Corralejo Reposado Tequila over the weekend. Still need some appropriate Sherry.