Tommy's Margarita cocktail

Tommy's Margarita

Old Fashioned Glass
IBA
NewEra
Modern Classic
Tequila
Sour
Summer
Refreshing

A renowned modern classic created by Julio Bermejo at Tommy's Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco. This recipe distinguishes itself from the traditional Margarita by replacing orange liqueur with agave nectar, allowing the crispness of the agave and the flavor of the tequila to take center stage.

What it tastes like

The aroma is dominated by fresh lime zest and earthy, vegetal agave notes. The taste presents a sharp citrus acidity balanced by the thick, honey-like sweetness of the nectar. It has a crisp mouthfeel that finishes with a clean, peppery tequila kick and a lingering tartness.

Flavour profile

Sweet
Strength
Bitter
Complexity

Ingredients

  • Tequila (100% Agave)4.5 cl
  • Fresh Lime Juice1.5 cl
  • Agave Syrup2 ml

Preparation

  1. 1

    Chill an Old Fashioned glass.

  2. 2

    Add the tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup into a cocktail shaker.

  3. 3

    Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously to chill and dilute.

  4. 4

    Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice.

  5. 5

    Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.

Substitutions

  • Agave SyrupHoney Syrup — Honey syrup introduces floral undertones and a denser sweetness compared to the neutral agave.
  • TequilaMezcal — Using mezcal adds a distinct smokiness and a savory, earthy profile to the drink.
  • Lime JuiceLemon Juice — Lemon juice provides a milder, fruitier acidity that shifts the focus toward the tequila's mineral notes.
  • Agave SyrupSimple Syrup — Simple syrup makes the drink thinner on the palate and reduces the intensity of the agave flavor.

Variations

Spicy Tommy's

Muddle two slices of fresh jalapeño in the shaker before adding the liquid ingredients to add a sharp, pungent heat.

Tommy's Reposado

Use reposado tequila instead of blanco to introduce subtle notes of vanilla and toasted oak.

Explore

Lime CocktailsSummer Cocktails
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