Margaritas and other tequila cocktails by Ben Reed

Margaritas by Ben Reed
Building on his success with Cool Cocktails, The Cocktail Hour and Martinis, Ben Reed has turned his hand to margaritas, the new cocktail that all the bars are shaking to. This book started life on just the simple margarita but Ben soon realised that tequila was extremely versatile in its inclusion in other cocktail classics.

Tequila is the drink of Mexico and is made from the sap of the agave plant, a member of the lily family. When the heart of the plant is pierced, the sap is released and within hours, the liquid begins to ferment into alcohol, mezcal. All tequila is mezcal and its production is subject to strict regulations. The plants must grow in one of the five Mexican states, 51 per cent must be pure agave juice and be distilled twice.

Production nowadays involves the hearts being heated by steam at a high temperature for one and a half days. The hearts are then crushed, the juice is released and this is then fermented. The liquid is filtered to remove fibres and impurities and it is only now that it is ready for distillation. The resulting liquor is clear, blanco (white) or plata (silver). The difference between gold and white tequila is the addition of colouring and sweetener.

The best quality is aged in wooden vats, with the type of barrel used for ageing affecting the result. The tequila is then ready for blending and bottling. Aroma, taste and appearance are the variables found in tequila.

Ben Reed just asks you to buy good quality tequila and with his book, a whole variety of cocktails is to hand. The basic recipe requires the aforesaid good quality tequila, lime juice and orange flavoured liquor (Cointreau or Grand Marnier). He suggests trying different brands and altering the taste between sweet and sour. You will find recipes to suit all tastes amongst this crisply photographed book.

To make the hairs on the back of your neck, we suggest you try the salty dog, a gutsy combination of gold tequila, grapefruit juice and wedge of lime served up in a salt rimmed glass. Alternatively try the bloody maria as a hangover cure, delicious. For a summer drink, herba buena, a take on the Cuban mojito, is as refreshing as it gets.

Once again, Ben Reed has hit the nail on the head with Margaritas and other tequila cocktails. Full marks.

Publication details:
64 pp. Photography by William Lingwood. £8.99
Published by Ryland Peters & Small
ISBN 1841725854
2004

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