It's another tequila sunrise

On World Tequila Day, get high as experts break down the popular drink and mix things up

Sometimes, when the going gets tough, a pinch of salt doesn't suffice. You need to add a wedge of lime and a shot of tequila, too. The drink is symbolic of myriad things beginning from an all-girls night out to turning 21, so much so that today there is a whole day dedicated to this poison of sorts.

Ami Shroff, senior mixologist at Lower Parel bar London Taxi, says that tequila is popular for many reasons, trending currently for being figure-friendly alcohol.

Shobit Shetty whips up the five finger death punch. Pic/Ashish Raje

"There's a certain amount of fondness for tequila," Shroff rightly points out, explaining that it is a healthier alternative to clear spirits like gin and vodka. "It's made from the agave plant and the sweetness comes from the nectar. There are no added sugars," Shroff says.

Debunking traditions, many have stated that good tequila should be had neat. We inquire whether this is true. "Whenever there's a premium alcohol involved, people suggest not to mix it with anything else. In the case of tequila, which is mostly had with lime and salt, the other two condiments tend to overpower the spirit and so, taking it neat is gaining currency. At the same time, every one has their preferences, and I do believe that there are no rules and only suggestions," she tells us.

Ami Shroff

Shobit Shetty, head mixologist at the city's Mexican hotspot Xico, has a slightly different disposition. "Tequila is a versatile alcohol and it can be approached in many ways. Though it's popular as a shot, I believe one should take their time with tequila. Good tequila might be sharp on the tongue but it will always go down smoothly, so go ahead and experiment with sipping it," he says.

Mixology 101
1. To make the panchphoran syrup, take equal amounts of kalonji, cumin, fennel, mustard and fenugreek seeds and roast them in a pan.
2. Add equal parts of agave nectar and honey and sous vide it (place it in a plastic pouch and cook in a water bath instead of directly; if you want to make 100 ml syrup, take 50 ml agave nectar and 50 ml honey).
3. Take 15 ml lime, 22.5 ml fresh orange juice, 15 ml home-made panchphoran syrup and 50 ml of tequila in a shaker.
4. Shake with ice and rim the glass with salt and panchphoran syrup.

Trivia tales with Shetty
* Tequila is a type of mescal. The region of origin is what separates tequila from mescal. So, all tequilas are mescals, but all mescals are not tequilas.
* Contrary to popular belief, the blue agave plant, from which tequila originates, is more lily-like than cactus. The agave plant is a part of the lily family.
* It can be used in numerous ways: the sap is used to make tequila, as a natural sweetener. The leaves can be cooked and eaten, much like an artichoke.

Take another shot of courage
Khaleesi's cup
The dragon's kiss is a heady mix of tequila, grapefruit juice and lime juice, served with some almond syrup and a burnt spring of rosemary.
TIME: 12 pm to 4 pm; 7 pm to 1 am
AT: Nara, Raheja Towers, BKC.
CALL: 61378080 
COST: Rs 600

Very berry tequila
Take some muddled mulberries, green chilli, tequila, creme de cassis, fresh citrus mix and voila! The berry chilli margarita is ready.
TIME: 8.30 am to 12 am
AT: The Sassy Spoon, Ramnath Goenka Marg, Nariman Point.
CALL: 33715944
COST: Rs 495

It's desi
Khattu mettu tequila is a total desi drink made with tequila silver, saunth chutney, fresh pineapple, lime juice, sugar syrup, triple sec monin and a pinch
of salt.
ON: July 24 to 31
AT: SodaBottleOpenerWala (all outlets).
CALL: 62360121 (Powai)
COST: Rs 590

Back to school
School days is an oddball concoction of tequila, jambul syrup, tamarind water and egg whites, served with a pinch of salt.
TIME: 11 am to 1 am
AT: Pranzi Ristorante and Lounge, Khar West.
CALL: 26006655 
COST: Rs 500

Shots fired
Bullets gone hazy is a mix of tequila camino, maraschino liquer, egg white, salted beetroot syrup and lime juice.
TIME: 12 pm to 12.30 am
AT: The Good Wife, The Capital, BKC.
CALL: 40109433
COST: Rs 590

Fact check with Shroff
* Only the heart or "pina" of the plant is used for the production. After the leaves are stripped, the extracted sap is fermented and distilled to produce tequila.
* Tequila has health benefits that come from the agave plant, and 100% pure agave tequila does not contain other sugars (carbohydrates or corn sugar, which other spirits may contain).
* Real tequila has to be produced in Mexico and does not come with a worm.

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