The five best tequila-based cocktails and where to get them expertly made.

Tequila is having a real moment and I’m constantly trying to educate people on this amazing spirit and all the benefits.

Willkommen! Bienvenue! Welcome!

My name’s Dean and I’m a tequila pusher. I love the stuff. I’ve long been into this Mexican-derived spirit and all the benefits of it.

It’s a happy drink that often enables you to get a lift without needing to go tonto. I can easily have a shot or two at a gig and nothing else to drink (escaping a hangy) or a nice long drink at dinner and stop before things get to messy.

Tequila is an ‘upper’ – not a downer like some other spirits and made the right way you can get rid of all the nasties. When it comes to tequila we need to erase those eighties and nineties vibes of growing up in dodgy bars and doing paint-stripper-style tequila shots. These days, tequila is a real vibe.

I recently heard a quote that resonated – something I’ve stuck to for many years now. It went: “When it comes to alcohol or meat always splash out. You won’t regret the benefits from good quality meat or good quality alcohol.”

So here goes, something for this murky wet January to lift the spirits. Literally.

And hey, if you’re on Dry January then you can save this for when things get back to normal ;-)

The Classic Margarita

I take my marg straight up / half salt. After trying many different ways (you can have it over ice or a full salty rim) I’ve settled on this for what works with me. I actually see the sign of a good bar or restaurant by if their bar staff can nail a delicious margarita. You can have a skinny marg too in London – without the sugar. Being completely honest if you have a lot of these the sugar crash the next day will be insane. I’d usually say on a night out have two maximum and then switch to a long drink without the sugar.

WHERE TO HAVE THE BEST: Langan’s Brasserie, Stratton Street, Mayfair. Langan’s cocktail making whether it be downstairs in the Brasserie or in the club Upstairs at Langan’s is beyond. They just get cocktails.

The Paloma

It’s warm outside, you need some refreshment, but you don’t want the high energy of the classic margarita – then you choose to order a Paloma. It also look bloomin’ gorgeous as it’s pink grapefruit based. Now, you need a good quality pink grapefruit juice or soda (there are some great ones on the market nowadays) and I love a steel straw in this cocktail – they get super cold and bracing. It’s an uplifter but it’s a ‘long’ so you’re not going to drink loads of them. A Paloma also shouldn’t be full of loads of sugar – it needs the sharpness to make your nips excited. This one just mixes up your tequila cocktail drinking options - summer in a glass (I drink them all year round, obvs).

WHERE TO HAVE THE BEST: Ixchel, King’s Road, Chelsea. Ixchel really are experts in tequila – they have the biggest collection of tequilas I’ve seen in London and bar staff that seriously know what they’re doing. It’s the sort of place you go when you just want to sit down and say “make me something special”. Trust is a big thing with bar staff. I literally walk out of bars if I think the staff don’t know how to make a decent cocktail.

The Picante

Now, people like it spicy these days. I occasionally do – if done right. But the Picante is the perfect mix. Not as a sweet as a spicy marg, the picante came to fruition when Soho House decided to make it their own signature cocktail. In the summer at Farmhouse it resembles when you’re in Barbados and all you do is drink rum punch for brekkie, lunch and dinner. A total easy drinker, enough spice to make your lips tingle and generally they always give you a great buzz. Don’t eat the half chilli they pop into your glass though. That would burn your ringer off.

WHERE TO HAVE THE BEST: Soho House establishments worldwide. They seriously do it so well. I actually wouldn’t try to imitate their Picante. You can even buy it in a bottle via Soho Home or make your own HERE.

The Tequila Lime and Soda

Step aside, vodka tonic. Step aside, skinny bitches. This is my go-to on a beautiful day, a club night or just because I fancy one. I’d OBVS use a good quality reposado.

The trick is to ensure there’s a good glug of freshly squeezed lime juice in the tall glass before you add the soda – the lime compliments and smooths the tequila taste. I like a lot of lime, but some people freak out with the acidity I use. Each to their own. It’s a long drink that gives you the lift you need when you’re out and about and wanting to turn on the fun.

WHERE TO HAVE THE BEST: Lavo London – just off Oxford Street. They have a great bar (and snacks) and brilliant bar staff.

The Neat Option

Want to keep your night clean, your sugar consumption down and generally not have half as much of a hangover after your tequila experimenting session? Well, you need to go neat. Now, there are strict rules to this. Some of my friends like a large shot over ice to sip. Personally, I like a room temperature shot. Before you ask, this isn’t some hideous Torremolinos shot – we are talking high-quality tequila. Sure, they’re expensive. But as I said above. Good quality alcohol is key. No shitty paint stripper. If I’m going to shot, I’m going to do it right. Here are my top five shot tequilas and why – and I’d recommend all in their individual ways to keep stocked at home.

1. Don Julio, 1942 - Easily my favourite. I always keep a bottle at home. Hilariously, it’s on special at Cost Co at the minute (£119.99 bet bottle). Go get yourself a bargain. It’s smooth with caramel and chocolate scents. Literally the best.

2. Casamigos Reposado/Blanco – Close second. I LOVE what George Clooney and Randy Gerber have done with this brand. They know their shit. It’s the cleanest option. Again, I always keep this at home and it generally works for everything. It’s truly beautiful, neat or as a shot.

3. Patron Silver/Reposado/Anejo – Patron do it well. A little bit more of an affordable option. The Anejo is a smooth sipping option and the Silver is malleable and classic – working for most tequila based drinks.

4. Clase Azul Reposado – I’m not like CRAZY about this tequila as a product. BUT the bottle is truly magical. It’s one of those bottles you want to keep on your shelf for years. It even has an in-built bell in the lid.

5. 1800 Reposado – I went to Mexico last year. My bestie and I tried so many tequilas. We wanted to find the best tequila for shots during our beach days. This was the best we found. I still gravitate towards it if I see it out and about – never disappointed. Miles cheaper than the ones above too…

Happy tequila drinking, one and all. Always drink responsibly.

Like tequila? What’s your favourite tequila-based tequila cocktail?