A house party with tequila doesn’t have to mean what it used to in college. Instead of throwing back cheap shots that make you sick, shelter in place by exploring various tequila thirst quenchers. From classics like Spicy Margs and Palomas to creative concoctions like Calgary distillery, check out five easy yet elevated tequila cocktails recipes from L.A. bars to make at home.
El Picante from Socalo
Socalo is the newest restaurant from L.A.’s iconic chef duo Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, located in the Santa Monica Gateway Hotel. Until doors are safe to open again, take a stab at making the westside spot’s El Picante cocktail, created by mixologist Juan Martinez.
Ingredients:
2 oz Cazadores Tequila Blanco
1 oz Lime
.75 oz Agave
Fresno Chile
1 Sprig Cilantro
Smoked Tajin Salt
In a tin or mixing glass, add a couple pieces of Fresno chile, a few cilantro leaves, lime, tequila blanco, and agave. Add ice, shake and strain into a Highball glass rimmed with Smoked Tajin which is made by mixing together tajin and smoked salt in a plate and blend together. (kosher salt can be used instead if smoked salt is not available). Garnish with cilantro leaf.
1920 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, socalo.com, @socalorestaurant
Heat of the Dragon from Sushi Roku
Sushi Roku has two locations in Los Angeles, one in Santa Monica and one in Pasadena. Make a third in your home by recreating one of their famous Japanese-inspired cocktails like the Heat Of The Dragon, a sizzling sipper.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Casamigos Silver
.5 oz Cointreau
.75 oz Lime Juice
.75 oz Kumquat Syrup
Serrano peppers
Lime
Muddle Serrano and combine Casamigos Silver, Cointreau, Lime Juice and Kumquat Syrup in a tin with ice. Shake & strain into rocks glass with ice. Rub lime on rim and dip into salt. Garnish with lime wheel.
1401 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica and 33 Miller Alley, Pasadena, @sushirokusm, @sushirokupas
Palomita from Inko Nito
Complimenting Inko Nito’s mouthwatering Robatayaki menu is a killer cocktail program. One of our favs is the pretty pink Palomita which is super simple to make at home.
Ingredients:
2 oz Sakura Blossom-Infused Blanco Tequila
.5 oz Lime Juice
.25 oz Agave
2 oz Freshly Squeezed Pink Grapefruit Juice
Club soda
For the Sakura blossom infusion, the team at Inko Nito directly infuse the blanco tequila at room temperature for two hours with four tablespoons of Sakura blossom per one 750 ml bottle. Combine all measured ingredients and top with soda.
225-227 Garey St., Los Angeles, inkonitorestaurant.com, @inkonitola
Siena Nueva from Delilah
A favorite of Kylie Jenner, Drake and Paris Hilton, Delilah is one of the hottest spots in West Hollywood. While you are home, quarantine like an A-lister and sip the bar’s sexy Siena Nueva cocktail.
Ingredients:
2 oz Avion Silver
.5 oz Aperol
1 oz Lime Juice
1 oz Passionfruit Syrup
4 Dashes House Made Spicy Bitters
Combine everything in a shaker and long shake. Strain over ice Into a glass with a spicy rim. Garnish with a few flowers on the top of the cube.
7969 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, delilahla.com, @delilah
Spicy Margarita from Petite Taqueria
Missing out Taco Tuesday? Celebrate at home (any day of the week) with the help of Petite Taqueria. Take advantage of their Tacos & Tequila special which includes your choice of six tacos, chips & guacamole, beans, rice and a bottle of Casamigos Blanco via FREE delivery with Postmates. Once you get your provisions, make yourself the restaurant’s signature Spicy Margarita and throw yourself quarantine fiesta.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Casamigos Silver
Jalapeño
Pineapple
Lime
Agave
755 N. La Cienaga Blvd., Los Angeles, petitetaqueria.com, @petitetaqueria
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