Tequila is a complicated spirit that many drinkers either adore or despise. But writing off all tequila is like eliminating cheese from your diet just because you're not a fan of blue cheese. Each tequila variety introduces something different to the palate. We have clean, crisp blancos, smooth reposados, and rich añejos to choose from, and each one can be transformed with a splash of soda.
Shots are the quickest way to get tequila down, but there's a way to actually enjoy the taste of tequila without trying to mask it with salt and lime juice. In an interview with Tasting Table, Jaime Salas, Head of Advocacy & Legacy for Jose Cuervo Tequila deemed the tried and true lime and salt duo "training wheels." But, says Salas, "while salt and lime are known as a dynamic duo when enjoying tequila shots, sangrita brings flavor contrast that still compliments the expression."
We know whiskey purists may cry foul, but we're confident two things will change those minds. One, we're not asking you to mix your prized bourbons with soda; more mainstream, affordable whiskeys are the way to go here. Two, this combo is just plain tasty, essentially a shortcut to capturing some of the whiskey/lemon/sweetness flavor notes of iconic cocktails like the whiskey sour.
These days, any cocktail served in a traditional martini glass is called a martini. But are they really martinis? Purists will argue that a perfect martini consists only of vodka or gin and dry vermouth, garnished perhaps with a twist of lime or lemon, or an olive, and if you like it dirty, a bit of olive or pickle brine. There's a rumor that claims adding apricot brandy will enhance a standard martini recipe, but wouldn't that make the cocktail too sweet, changing the savory nature of the classic recipe?