Lick it, slam it, suck it? Forget it. Vodka and rum may still be juggernauts when it comes to mixed drinks, but tequila is like your drunken frat bro who makes good after graduation: It’s trying to grow up and get the hell out of Margaritaville. To experience tequila’s versatility, try these recommended cocktails.
Salud Mojito, $9
Though new tequila bar Salud encourages its patrons to get acquainted with the finer points of agave tequila, it also boasts a tequila cocktail menu longer than the Yucatan peninsula. “It really is a sophisticated spirit,” manager Eric Appleby says. Among the standouts is a mojito that ditches the traditional Cuban rum in favor of high-end Oro Azul Blanco tequila. It’s added to fresh lime juice, then muddled with organic mint leaves and agave nectar. Other tequila cocktails include Salud’s take on the bellini, made with the extra-smooth Sauza Tres Generaciones Plata, peach nectar and Freixenet cava; and the Tequila Colada, which uses Cesar Monterrey Blanco instead of rum. 1471 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-486-0686.
Vermilion Sol, $8
Aside from the fact that they’re both spicy, Indian food and Mexican food don’t seem to have much in common–until you consider the sexy, sensual guava. River North’s brand-new fusion sensation Vermilion, which specializes in Indian-Latin culinary combos, kept the two cuisines’ mutual affection for the fruit in mind when creating its signature drink, the Vermilion Sol. A welcome update of the tequila sunrise, it blends Herradura tequila, guava juice (instead of the usual orange juice) and grenadine. 10 W. Hubbard St. 312-527-4060.
Cosmorita, $7
Can’t decide between a cosmo and a margarita? Have both at the same time. The cosmorita at T’s Restaurant and Bar substitutes a cosmopolitan’s vodka with tequila, but keeps the cranberry and lime juice. It’s more cosmo than ‘rita (it’s served in a martini glass, after all), but it’s enough of a change to please the crowd at T’s. Bartender Ron Ziebarth says he got the idea from a friend who recently vacationed in Florida, where this Mexicanized sipper is all the rage. 5025 N. Clark St. 773-784-6000.
Paloma, $7
In the bars of Guadalajara, gringos drink margaritas, and locals order palomas. You can do the same at La Taberna Tapatia. Their version of the paloma consists of a shot of Cuervo over ice, Squirt, lime juice and a pinch of salt. It’s a refreshing, citrus cocktail that allows you to really get to know the flavor of the tequila, which no longer has to compete with triple sec and sour mix for your attention. 3358 N. Ashland Ave. 773-248-5475.
Patron XO Cafe and hot chocolate, $8
Can’t make it to Mexico this winter? Don’t despair–let Cesar’s in Lakeview warm you up with a shot of Patron’s XO Cafe, a coffee-flavored tequila, poured into a cup of Abuelita Mexican hot chocolate mix and steamed milk. Manager Israel Sanchez says Patron XO Cafe can be substituted for Kaluha in Mexican coffee, and, as a chilled shot, can make a great end to an evening. 2924 N. Broadway, 773-296-9097.
