Seven tequila-based cocktails to tank up before the drink dries up

Mexican firing squad
Look past its shocking pink hue and take a long sip of this tequila cocktail to realise that it means business. A potent mix of Camino tequila, grenadine, lime and bitters, the cocktail is developed by One Street Over's bar manager Ashitosh Narayanan, who sends it off garnished with a slice of lime, shaken with ice and served in a dainty coupe glass.

AT: 35th Street, off Linking Road, Khar West.
CALL: 26002224
COST: Rs 500

Jalapeno surprise
This one's a fiesta for your senses, combining two Mexican favourites in one mean drink. The ultra-potent cocktail developed by Manish Thakur, sous chef at Scribble Stories, is prepared by mixing tequila with fresh jalapeno, egg white, Tabasco and orange juice. It comes garnished with jaunty slivers of jalapeno.

AT: 21B, Santhal ONGC Complex, Reclamation, Bandra West.
CALL: 26400754
COST: Rs 550

Mexican sunset
Perfectly referencing the natural phenomenon of a sunset that it is named after, this cocktail developed by Old Wild West's assistant bartender, Vivek Talekar, is a perfect blend of spice and fruit with a fiery twist. Flavoured with orange, jalapeño and grenadine, this shaken tropical tequila libation is sure to get the party started, come sunset.

AT: First floor, Trade View Building, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel.
CALL: 65376677
COST: Rs 499

Jalapeeo honey
Here, house-made jalapeño-infused El Jimador Blanco tequila is shaken with honey syrup and lemon juice by John Leese, Olive Bar and Kitchen's beverage and bar development manager, and served in a rocks glass. A jalapeno tail garnish finishes off this cocktail that has a definite bite to it. You've been warned!

AT: 14, Union Park, Khar West.
CALL: 43408229
COST: Rs 800

Kala khatta margarita
Telling of the Indian dining and bartending scene's favourite go-to word "fusion", this Mexico-meets-India tequila cocktail is a tart treat. Made from just three ingredients - tequila, kala khatta and chaat masala by Tanaji Shirke, senior bartender at Copper Chimney Worli, we love this jugaad of a cocktail, served all frozen, slushie-style.

AT: Door No.12-A, Lotus Court, Dr AB Road, Worli.
CALL: 24925353
COST: Rs 525

Berried treasure
Deception in a shot glass. That's what we call this innocent-looking, shot-style tequila cocktail. Look past it's creamy countenance and you'll see what we're talking about. Conceptualised by Estella's bar manager, Rakesh Pardeshi, this creamy shot is a gorgeous blend of tequila and muddled strawberries, layered with Baileys Irish Cream liqueur, and topped with a swirl of fresh cream.

AT: Nichani Kutir, Juhu Tara Road, Juhu.
CALL: 7999998232
COST: Rs 499

La di da
True to its name, this cocktail is that quintessential drink with sophisticated, complex and urban flavours, showing off the best of tequila. Chef and founder of The Boston Butt, Siddharth Kashyap, who came up with this drink, uses The Bianco tequila, avocado, basil and pineapple juice to allow the spirit to shine through.

AT: Rampart Row, 30, K Dubash Marg, Fort.
CALL: 69470000
COST: Rs 411

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