A Tequila Cocktail That's Better Than You Think

During a recent visit to one of my favorite escapes, Cafe Citron, I ordered tequila and grapefruit. Naturally, the bartender paused for a second to digest the information, and my fiance said, "See? Every time!"

That's because it's nothing new. At Gordon Biersch, a former place of employment, my coworkers constantly ragged on me, and still do, for drinking such a terrible combination. The bartenders say I'm the only patron who uses their stock of grapefruit juice. Tequila is already hard to stomach, but I add grapefruit? ....grapefruit?? (or grapefruit soda at home, because bars don't have it)

Actually, you naysayers, tequila is so in right now. Epicurious writes,

"...In recent years Americans have come around to tequila's sophisticated side. ...Some restaurants are even breaking out the snifters to encourage sipping and savoring high-end tequilas, which reflect the fastest-growing segment of the tequila market, according to the Distilled Spirits Council. Our prediction for what's next? Tequila sommeliers."

The "trend" couldn't be more obvious than in DC. It's really quite easy to find a place with a decent range of tequila and tequila cocktails. Take Penn Quarter alone, with all the Jose Andres restaurants, plus Rosa Mexicano (a yuppy staple). And just take a look at the numerous margarita discussions popping up on Yelp now and again. One Yelper includes the "Best Margarita" question under things "More controversial than Jesus or Abortion".

Maybe I'm wrong though - maybe it's margaritas that are "in". I don't really disagree with that, except for the fact that tequila and grapefruit-based cocktails are available on menus like Rosa Mexicano's.

Who cares if it's cool though. My point is, it's good, and not really that weird. "In Mexico, younger drinkers mix tequila with grapefruit soda," reports Epicurious. And "mixologists" apparently agree that citrus juices are the way to go if you want to enjoy your tequila. My drink, which is basically a Paloma, "In Mexico.... are more popular than margaritas, and for good reason: Grapefruit flavor mixes perfectly with tequila..." (That's the Washington Post talking!)

So, I think the moral of this story is that you're all wrong! My drink is cool, and I have an awesome tequila palate. Unless you're going for a really high end tequila (which should be consumed neat, from a snifter). This is my fiance, the Latino's, favorite practice. And truly, there is no greater tequila snob than he.

Sources:

http://www.epicurious.com/
http://www.yelp.com/salt-lake-city-ut
http://www.tequilaaficionado.com/
http://www.thewashingtonpost.com/
http://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2008/08/20/paloma/