5 Best Cocktails in Dublin to Enjoy on International Tequila Day
Words: Hannah Lemass
Images: Instagram & George Voronov
Many of you may gag at the thought of tequila. Too many shots of the cheap stuff on a bad night out during your first year’s Freshers Week literally left a bad taste in your mouth. But tequila does not deserve such a bad rap. It makes me sad to see the visceral reaction of disgust on people’s faces at the mere mention of tequila. It’s not supposed to be a shot, really. It should be sipped and savoured. We need to treat tequila with the same respect that we treat our own cherished Irish whiskey.
Today is Tequila Day, the perfect opportunity to put your prejudices from previous bad experiences aside and give tequila the reverence and dignity it deserves. Give it a chance. Don’t worry, we’re not asking you to jump straight to tequila on the rocks or tequila sodas (although don’t knock it till you try it). Instead, we’ve put together a curated list of delicate and innovative cocktails from some of the top masters of mixology the city has to offer. Once you try them, you’ll be a tequila convert. But let’s take it easy and drink responsibly. We don’t want a repeat of Freshers Week, do we?
1661
Everything on the menu at 1661 is a home run, so this is the perfect place to start. If you are partial to a spicy Marg, then you’ll love this little gem. And if you’re still a bit scared of tequila, this is also a good choice. It leans into its Irish side, with its main spirit being Micil Poitín. Of course, there’s tequila in there too, along with smoky Empirical Ayuuk and a lovely balance of sweet mango and bell pepper, all rounded out with sumac lime and chipotle. It’s spicy without being overwhelming, but feel free to stir in that hot little garnish for an extra kick.
Peruke & Periwig
This one is for the tropical girlies. This fresh cocktail, named for the serpent deity of Maya mythology, is an exotic blend of mellow coconut, refreshing cucumber, and tangy citrus with a sweet embrace of agave nectar and, of course, a healthy splash of tequila. This tantalising delight will transport you to a sun-drenched beach on a deserted island hunting for buried pirate’s booty. The perfect mash-up of sweet and zesty, it’s an irresistible choice for seekers of a taste of paradise.
Pen And Player
It’s showtime! This daring little number certainly ranks among the more eyebrow-raising items on our list. The star of the show is the Patrón Silver Tequila, but there is also an all-star ensemble of supporting players. You’ll want to try this one out of sheer curiosity. When have you ever seen ingredients like spicy mango, tomato water, saline solution, and citric acid on a menu, let alone all together? But trust me, this combination might look strange on paper, but it works wonderfully in the glass. It’s a showstopper. Refreshing, fruity, and complex. And sure it is tomato season after all, so why not make the most of it and drink them as well as eat them!
The Sidecar
If you’re in the mood for a boujee little treat, then the Sidecar is a great shout. Five-star service with an incredible selection of diverse and unique cocktails that not only taste great and but also tell a story. The menu reads as a love letter to the history of mixology and the decadence of high society, inspired by 1920s illustrator Anne Harriet Fish. Each drink is paired with an illustration and a quote from high-flyers of the era. The “Forgive and Forget” is matched with a Margaret Asquith quote: “He couldn’t see a belt without hitting below it.” It’s a beautifully presented, romantic drink made from silver tequila and a sweet medley of blood orange, pineapple, and cherry, with a kick of citric acid to cut through those luscious notes. And pro tip: while this place is pricey, you do get great value for your buck. Complementary bar snacks will arrive at your table, along with a sup of prosecco that will keep you entertained while you wait for the master bartenders to whip up the ornate serves.
Fidelity
Fidelity serves smooth jams and smoother cocktails. The great thing about the menu here is that each one puts a fresh new twist on the old classics. Their margarita is their most popular cocktail on the menu, and for good reason. It brings you the fundamentals of a top-tier margarita: tequila, Cointreau, and sugar syrup but with a distinctive twist of basil and freshly cracked black pepper. It’s crisp, fresh, easy to drink, and wonderfully aromatic. And when it comes to aesthetics, with that sprinkling of black pepper against the vibrant green, let’s face it, this is THE drink of brat girl summer.
Elsewhere on Char: CHAR’s Ultimate Food Guide – Cocktails
