Bartender's Corner: A look into the beer and spirit industry

[The Cocktail Chronicles]

A history of cocktail favorites

By Sam Ujvary

National Tequila Day

National Tequila Day takes place on July 24^th. The agave plant that gave us this beautifully distilled beverage is continuing to allow mixologists, party hosts and tequila enthusiasts alike to develop their own cocktail repertoire. Thank you, Mexico, for sending us this nectar of the gods. In honor of this day, below are some favorite cocktails.

Traditional Margarita:

1.5 ounces Don Julio 1942 Tequila

1 ounce Cointreau

.5 ounces fresh lime juice

splash orange juice
optional salt rim

Combine all ingredients with ice, shake and strain over ice with salted rim. Garnish with a lime.

Bloody Maria:

2 ounces Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Tequila
4 ounces tomato juice
.5 ounces lemon juice
2 dashes Tabasco sauce
1 pinch celery salt

Combine ingredients over ice and mix. Garnish with a lime.

Paloma:

1.5 ounces Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Tequila

2 ounces grapefruit juice
splash lemon-lime soda
optional salt rim

Combine ingredients in ice-filled glass. Top with soda and garnish with a lime.

Make this happy hour a special one. Enjoy some of Mexico's finest export.

Salud!