Agave Assault Winning Drink: Mike St. Louis of Firebird Tavern, Detroit
The winner of our Agave Assault competition at Rojo Mexican Bistro in Birmingham used Maestro Dobel Tequila. Maestro Dobel is a high-end offering, made from a blend of Reposado, Anejo and Extra Anejo tequilas, which are filtered to give this spirit perfect clarity and crispness.
El Maestro De Primavera
1-1/2 ounces Maestro Dobel Tequila
3/4 ounce Agavero Organge Tequila
3/4 ounce lemon juice
5 Dashes of cherry bitters
Top off with ginger beer (preferrably Gosling’s). Garnish with a mint sprig and an orange slice.
To make: Fill a Collins glass with ice and splash the ice with ginger beer, then top with the orange slice. Shake the other ingredients over ice and strain into glass. Top off with more ginger beer and a mint sprig.
Dave Kwiatkowski, owner of Sugar House and Wright & Co., Detroit
Everyone is more or less familiar with the drinks of Sugar House fame, but Kwiatkowski sent us a recipe you might see at his new spot, Wright & Co., which won’t open until later this summer. It’s made from Herradura Reposado, which is made from 100 percent Blue Agave and is consistently hailed as one of the best tasting tequilas in the world.
Ex-Paloma
2 ounces Herradura Reposado
3/4 ounce grapefruit juice
1/4 ounce lime juice
1/4 ounce Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Juice
1/4 ounce smoked sodium solution
To make: Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into a coupe (a vintage Champagne glass).
Cabresto Tequila
Currently only distributed in Michigan, Cabresto represents another ultra premium tequila. Cabresto is handcrafted from 100 percent Blue Agave Nectar and is bottled directly after distillation to preserve the flavor.
Cass Avenue Cooler
1-1/2 ounces Cabresto Tequila Silver
1-1/2 ounces tamarind nectar
1/2 ounce simple syrup
Top off with Ginger Beer. Garnish with a slice of lime.
To make: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake to blend, serve in a large rocks glass. Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime slice.
Rojo Mexican Bistro, Birmingham
Rojo’s drink features Gran Centenario Tequila Blanca, a sweet and luscious tequila produced by resting it in oak for 28 days after distillation. The result is much more mellow than most other white tequilas.
Tellini
1-1/2 ounces Orange-Infused Gran Centenario Tequila Blanca
1/2 ounce peach schnapps
Fill with Sophora Sparkling Wine
To make: Stir ingredients together and pour in a Champagne flute. Top with the chilled sparkling wine. Garnish with an orange twist.
Tequila Mundo takes place from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. with a VIP hour from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 31, at Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; 248-246-3276; $45-$65
