The Best Cocktails on National Tequila Day in Edinburgh
It’s not just a Friday today, it’s National Tequila Day so it's definitely time to come out of your lockdown siesta and start planning your fiesta!.
When you think of Tequila, many people think of the classic Margaritas or Tequila Slammers, which is no bad thing, but there’s a whole lot more on offer.
But if you don’t know your Mezcal from your Herradura Ultra Tequila Anejo, you need to seek out some of the best cocktail bars in both Edinburgh and Leith!
Tequila is made using the blue agave plant, and it can only be found in five states in Mexico.
We’re told that from those living in Mexico, around 45% of people there drink Tequila neat with the remainder drinking it as a Paloma or Batanga. These drinks are probably the easiest to make at home this weekend too.
Paloma
Fill a highball glass with ice, add tequila, top with grapefruit soda. Although The Raging Bull has a peach variant below that should not be overlooked.
Batanga
Fill a highball glass with ice, add tequila, top with Coca Cola.
From personal experience, Tequila should be enjoyed with friends or family. I tend to learn from experience, so I will be steering clear of any Chilli-Tequila concoctions that are out there, purely for fear of flash-backs to a particular night out on Mill Lane, Cardiff with my brother. The thoughts send shivers down my spine, and my brother still won't speak of that night.
With bars across Edinburgh now re-opening, National Tequila Day is the perfect excuse to don the Sombrero, grab the maracas and head out in search for the best tequila cocktails in both Leith and Edinburgh! Here are some of the best we've found.
Devil’s Money
Served stirred in a Japanese teacup, Ilegal Mezcal, Tapatio Blanco, Cynar, Borghetti, Ancho Reyes, Bittermen's Xocalatl Mole, Saline served with a peppercorn white chocolate triangle.
The Bon Vivant, Thistle Street, Edinburgh
Keep that Pinky High
Altos Plata, St. Germain, Lemon Juice, Champagne Sorbet, Plum Bitters and garnished with some (edible) glitter!
Tonic, North Castle Street, Edinburgh
Heartbreaker
Patron Silver, Midori, citrus and an IPA top
Uno Mas, Picardy Place, Edinburgh
Peach Paloma
El Jimador reposado, Grapefruit, Lime Juice, Peach syrup. Shake and strain into sling. Dehydrated grapefruit garnish, and topped with crushed ice.
The Raging Bull, Loathian Road, Edinburgh
Auld Quiquiriqui
Qui Qui Riqui Mezcal, Velvet Falernum, Agave syrup, Grapefruit bitters
Stir down over ice, then garnish with dehydrated grapefruit.
The Raging Bull, Lothian Road, Edinburgh
Blended spiced pineapple and basil shrub with Don Julio Blanco tequila, lime acid solution, honey and garnished with fresh basil. A refreshing drink served in a classy nic and Nora!
50ml Don Julio Blanco
30ml spiced pineapple and basil shrub
20ml honey syrup
10ml lime acid solution
Basil to garnish
House of Gods, Cowgate, Edinburgh
Iron Brew Margarita
Arette Tequila, homemade Irn Bru reduction, a touch of Cointreau and fresh lime - simple twist but crazy delicious.
Woodland Creatures, Leith Walk, Leith
Classic Tequila Margarita
37.5ml tequila, 12.5ml Cointreau, 25ml lime, and a dash of agave. Garnished with a lime wheel.
Joseph Pearce’s, Elm Row, Leith
Mezcal Margarita
25ml Union Mezcal, 25ml Cointreau, 25ml lime juice, 25ml sugar syrup
Victoria Bar, Leith Walk, Leith
If you’re looking to make this National Tequila Day (weekend) special, then head out for a bite to eat too. Where better than El Cartel on Teviot Place, Edinburgh to sample their amazing tacos.
The only decision left is ... do you start or finish in Leith?
Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at the cocktail recipes on offer from Cardiff in our sister magazine, RedHanded Magazine Wales.