When in Mexico I can only drink so many margaritas (even of the avocado variety) and palomas…so what to do? At the house we were staying at we had both silver and reposado tequilas, along with Grand Marnier (for making margaritas). So….one night after dinner and enjoying a fine Cohiba on the patio the inspiration for the Mexican version of the classic Manhattan hit me. And it was soooo good, especially with the fine cigar I was enjoying with it (yes, it was Cuban). So, without further adieu, the Mexican Manhattan.
Mexican Manhattan
- 3 oz reposada or anejo tequila
- 1/2 oz Cointreau
Combine the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir. Pour into a rocks glass. No garnish needed.
Upon my return home I mixed this up using the Cazadores anejo that I brought home from Puerto Vallarta (oh, so smooth) and used Cointreau (I also don’t actually have any Grand Marnier at the moment). The orange of the Cointreau is a very nice, slightly sweet complement to the Cazadores anejo.
Another option if you have a really good reposada or anejo is to just add a couple of dashes of orange bitters instead of Cointreau. This will give the orange flavor without the added sweetness of the liqueur.
So, when I need to escape winter I’ll be getting that bottle of Cazadores out and reliving the sun and sand of the beach at Puerto Vallarta!
Cheers!
There and Back Again, A Cocktail Journey 