El Macho
India meets Mexico in this savory, spicy upgrade on a classic Margarita. Cardamom is grown in India, and is the third-most expensive spice in the world, following vanilla and saffron. It has a spicy, herbal flavor that blends well with the citrus characteristics of a Margarita.
I tasted that hint of spice on the tail end of the first sip, but the bright note of cucumber was the most prevalent flavor throughout.
The earthy, complex flavor of rested, or Reposado, tequila provides an earthy base.
In all, this is a solid alternative to the Mexican classic.
Recipe:
- 1 ½ oz Camarena Reposado Tequila
- 4 cucumber slices
- ¾ oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
- ¾ oz house-made cardamom syrup*
* To make cardamom syrup: combine 1 ⅓ cup of both sugar and water with 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom in a sauce pan; and simmer until sugar dissolves. Let syrup cool, then strain liquid through a cheesecloth.
Instructions:
Put all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake to combine. Double-strain, using a fine-mesh tea strainer, into a stemmed glass.
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