I am. I grew up learning to serve Tequila Sunrises ( see page 60, and yes, like the song by the Eagles, which I am listening to as I write) and later Kamikazes – a college drink if ever there was one, but to be avoided by serious folks.
Tequila Made Me Do It by Cecilia Rios Murrieta, is part history book, part picture book - with the bright and visually pleasing illustrations by Ruby Taylor, and part recipe book with 60 tantalising tequila and mezcal cocktails. The thing is that once you understand the versatility and flavour of Tequila, there is no stopping you. Just stop using tequila as a shot – you know with the lime and salt – and start enjoying the flavour of true tequila. Sip it. You can add ice, a little water and even some lemon/lime but all in moderation. With the Habs season coming to an end, Montreal can start enjoying summer, and consoling ourselves. Tequila can help. Our advice: 1. Sip it 2. Share it – don’t drink alone 3. Moderation – save some for next time. 4. Enjoy! The book even brings back some respectability to mezcal which all too often is treated like a tequila wannabee and a poor country cousin. However, both Tequila and Mescal are included amongst 14 designations of origin in Mexico. Who wants to try a Margarita Colada (page 43); Margarita Spritz (47); Sangrita Sweet (51); the aforementioned Tequila Sunrise (60) or a Bloody Maria (63) – not to be confused with its prima a Bloody Mary? Or one of my favourites a Tequila Martini? Enjoy Montreal and beyond!