Latest news with #PatrónSilver
Yahoo
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘I went to a new bar at London Bridge and I'd rate it SIXT33N out of 10'
I went to an underground bar at London Bridge, and its name is how much I would rate it out of ten. My journey to SIXT33N didn't start quite as planned. Upon arrival, I found myself slightly disoriented, initially heading to the wrong venue entirely - BRIX. A small misstep, but it set the tone for what would turn out to be an evening full of surprises. After being redirected to the basement, I stepped into SIXT33N and was immediately met with an ambiance unlike any bar I'd been to before. Forget the familiar hustle and bustle of a Spoons; this was a world of jazz, low lighting, and plush seating that made for a laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere. The seating arrangement was a mix of cozy sofas with cushions and stylish chairs, adding to the relaxed, lounge-like setting. Once seated, we were handed the menu, a well-curated selection of bar snacks and drinks. This was when the excitement really began. My first drink of the night was a masterpiece: Patrón Silver, Crème de Violette, Lavender Sugar, and Fresh Lime. But the real showstopper wasn't just the drink itself; it was the presentation. The waiter lit the lavender garnish on fire, filling the air with a sweet, floral aroma. Who knew burning lavender could smell so incredible? (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) The drink itself was smooth and well-balanced, with a delicate blend of floral and citrus notes that made every sip an experience. With drinks in hand, we delved into the food menu, starting with Loaded Fries. (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) I'll admit, I'm usually hesitant when it comes to loaded fries, but this dish changed my mind completely. Topped with a fried egg and pulled pork, the flavours were rich and indulgent. Normally, I'd need a generous helping of BBQ sauce to enjoy a dish like this, but for the first time, I found myself eating fries without the need for condiments; it was that good. The atmosphere continued to impress as the night went on. The jazz-infused playlist gave the venue a nightclub-like feel, but without the ear-splitting rave music I typically avoid. It was a perfect middle ground; lively but not overwhelming. Next up was another round of drinks, and I opted for the Tamarindo - a bold mix of Patrón Silver, tamarind, poblano chili, and piloncillo. The smoky heat from the chili paired perfectly with the tangy sweetness of the tamarind, creating a complex yet highly drinkable cocktail that had me savouring every sip. We continued our culinary adventure with BBQ Brisket Croquettes served with Jalapeño Aioli, Oakwood Smoked Cheddar, and Béchamel. Each bite was packed with deep, smoky flavours, perfectly complemented by the aioli's subtle heat. The crisp outer layer of the croquettes gave way to a rich, creamy filling, making them an absolute must-try. Feeling indulgent, we decided to order more food and got the Grilled Tiger Prawns with Tequila Hollandaise, Aleppo Chili Crumble, and Tarragon. The prawns were cooked to perfection, but it was the sauce that stole the show. (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) In fact, we found ourselves asking the waiter to leave the plate so we could scoop up every last drop. To round off the evening, I went for the Blood Orange Margarita, a vibrant blend of Patrón Silver, Campari, Cointreau, fresh Sicilian blood orange, and black lava salt. It was the perfect mix of bitter, sweet, and citrusy flavours—a fitting finale to an already memorable night. Of course, no meal is complete without dessert, so we ended on a sweet note with the Baklava Cheesecake. (Image: Ezekiel Bertrand) A flawless fusion of two beloved desserts, the cheesecake was creamy and indulgent, with just the right amount of nutty pistachio crunch. Overall, SIXT33N is an absolute must-visit. With expertly crafted cocktails, mouthwatering food, and a killer atmosphere, this place is bound to become a go-to spot for those looking for something different in London Bridge. The exceptional service, particularly from David, aka 'The Scouse Barman,' who made the experience even more enjoyable. SIXT33N is set to be a booming success, so get in while you can.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
It's National Margarita Day! Try these fun mixologist-approved twists
The history of the margarita has remained a bit of a mystery. No one seems sure exactly who invented or named it, though traces of the sweet, sour and sometimes salty cocktail date back to Prohibition. What we do know: There's nothing quite like sipping one — ideally paired with some authentic tacos — to wash your cares away. In honor of National Margarita Day (Feb. 22), we asked professional mixologists how they like to drink this beloved cocktail. From adding a touch of heat to experimenting with garnishes, their ideas will give your margaritas a whole new twist. We also included their favorite store-bought mixes and other must-haves to help you perfect your recipe — and have fun while you're at it. But first, here's a basic margarita recipe from Jonathan Adler, beverage director at Shinji's in New York City: Start with 2 oz. high-quality, additive-free tequila (he likes Patrón Reposado, "which brings a subtle oakiness that adds depth"). Mix with ½ oz. Cointreau, ¼ oz. agave syrup "for just the right sweetness" and 1 oz. fresh lime juice. Shake it all up with ice for 10 to 15 seconds "to get that perfect balance of chill and dilution," then strain it into a rocks glass over fresh ice. "A salt rim is optional, but it ties everything together." If you'd rather make it a mocktail, swap the tequila for a zero-proof alternative like Ritual Zero Proof Tequila or Lyre's Agave Blanco to get in on the fun without the buzz. (Here's our guide to the best nonalcoholic drinks of 2025.) 1. Add a kick. To spice things up, Adler relies on a few drops of a homemade spicy tincture. "I make mine by infusing Patrón Silver with dried Thai chilis. Just blend four chiles with 200 ml. of the tequila, let it sit for a week, then strain it through a coffee filter. It's an easy way to control the heat level, drop by drop, without overpowering the other flavors." For another (hot) take, Jesus Aguilar, bar manager of La Contenta Oeste in New York City, recommends infusing the tequila with dried morita chile (smoked baby jalapeño), which he says imparts a smoky and spicy flavor with hints of plum. "After infusing three whole morita chile peppers in a bottle of tequila for approximately three hours, remove the chiles and allow them to dry," he advises. "Once dried, grind the chiles and mix the chile powder with equal parts of kosher salt and sugar (we like Sugar in the Raw brand) to rim the glass." Rob Floyd, celebrity mixologist for Princess Cruises, says one of his favorite drinks they serve on the ships is the Mayan Heat, "which brings together smooth tequila, fresh lime juice, agave, and just the right kick of jalapeño." To make it, you'll need 2 oz. Patrón Silver, ½ oz. lime juice, ½ oz. agave syrup, ¼ oz. triple sec and 1 slice of fresh jalapeño (plus one more for garnish). "Shake and strain all ingredients over fresh ice, then garnish with a fresh slice of jalapeño." Marcelo Chasi, a former bartender at Flatiron Lounge in New York City who serves as an ambassador for Tequila Herradura, likes combining jalapeño and cucumber for a milder take. "Muddle a few slices of cucumber, two slices of jalapeño and some fresh lime juice," he advises. "Finish with agave nectar and you've made yourself a spicy cucumber margarita!" And if you want a quick fix? "Either drop in a couple of dashes of your favorite hot sauce or a couple of jalapeño slices to the shaker," advises Caroline Pardilla, cocktail writer and author of "Margarita Time," a cocktail book coming out March 25. Then add the rest of the ingredients, give everything a good shake and you're good to go. "I love to add color and flavor to my margaritas at home by swapping out the simple syrup for a cordial," shares mixologist and freelance beverage director Wyn Vida. "Lately, I've been playing with watermelon juice and finding ways to incorporate it into everything." She combines 2 oz. Dulce Vida 100 Proof Blanco, 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice, 3/4 oz. watermelon cordial (equal parts watermelon juice and sugar, stirred over low heat in a saucepan for a few minutes) and ¼ oz. Naranja Orange Liqueur. Shake for eight seconds and strain into a rocks glass over ice, with a Tajin and chamoy rim. "Garnish it with a Sour Patch Kids watermelon candy on a pick," she adds. "I guarantee your guests will be wowed by the color and nostalgia it brings them." If you don't have time to make a cordial, "a fruity marg can be had by using fruit juice in the place of the triple sec," adds Pardilla. (Aside from watermelon, mango and pineapple are popular, vibrant juice options.) Better yet, mix sweet and spicy, Aguilar says is the trick to his favorite margarita is a pineapple margarita, which will be offered as a special at La Contenta Oeste this National Margarita Day. "Combine four slices of fresh pineapple and five pieces of a small, flavorful chile called chiltepin, which gives an intense, fruity spiciness with earthy notes that pairs well with the sweetness and acidity of the pineapple." Infuse the pineapple and chiltepin chiles together in a bottle of tequila for three hours. To rim the glass, remove the pineapple slices and chiles from the infused tequila, let them dry out, and then grind together and mix with equal parts of salt and sugar. 3. Make it bloom. Botanicals offer another way to add color (plus sweet or herbal depth), and hibiscus tops the list among our experts for its rosy glow. Alessio Altomare, beverage manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, snuck us a recipe for a hibiscus margarita he says will soon be served at the hotel: Combine in a shaker ¾ oz. hibiscus syrup, ½ oz. orange liqueur (Cointreau or Grand Marnier), 2 oz. tequila blanco and 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice. Fill with large ice cubes and shake well for 15 seconds before straining into a glass rimmed with pink Himalayan salt and filled with large rock ice. Charli Gonzalez, a mixologist at STK Steakhouse, adds, "Sometimes I'll even mix a little dried hibiscus powder into my salt for a pop of color." 4. Caramelize it. "Elevating a margarita is all about layering flavor and texture," says Gonzalez. "Infused syrups, like chile honey or hibiscus agave, bring a unique twist. If you're not making them at home, a splash of a quality hibiscus syrup or hot honey syrup works great — just mix well to blend the flavors." Gonzalez also says roasting or smoking citrus adds a deep caramelized edge: "Just cut your limes or oranges in half and give them a quick sear or use a kitchen torch until lightly charred." 5. Amp up the orange flavor. Federico Doldi, the former director of beverages and bar operations at the Gansevoort Hotel, suggests swapping the traditional margarita base for an equal blend of tequila blanco and Savoia, an Italian apertif with notes of bitter orange. "The result is a refreshingly bright and refined new spin on the beloved original — smooth, zesty, and layered with complexity. Perfect for those looking to elevate their margarita experience with a modern yet elegant Italian touch."
