Tommy’s Margarita Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Tommy's Margarita recipe

πŸ“‹ Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Tequila
Alcohol 22%
Calories 200 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 12g
Prep time 5 minutes

Imagine finding the perfect drink to cool you down and put a smile on your face. That’s the Tommy’s Margarita, a simple yet delightful cocktail that tells a story in every sip. We’ll explore its history, taste, how to make it, and even how to pair it with food, so join us on this refreshing journey. ⬇️

History

The Tommy’s Margarita is a twist on the classic Margarita, created in San Francisco during the 1990s. It was invented by Julio Bermejo at his family’s Mexican restaurant, Tommy’s. This drink quickly became popular for its simplicity and the use of quality ingredients.

  • The name ‘Tommy’s Margarita’ comes from Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant where it was first created.
  • Julio Bermejo is known as an ambassador of Tequila for his contribution to the cocktail’s popularity.
  • Tommy’s Margarita was a pioneer in using agave nectar as a sweetener, setting a trend for other mixologists.

The taste of a Tommy’s Margarita?

A Tommy’s Margarita tastes like a fresh burst of lime with a sweet and smooth undercurrent. The agave nectar and quality tequila blend together for a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail.

I personally love drinking Tommy’s Margaritas because they’re incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot day.

Interesting facts about Tommy’s Margarita

  • The Tommy’s Margarita is considered a modern classic cocktail, and it’s on the International Bartender Association’s official cocktails list.
  • Unlike the classic Margarita, Tommy’s version omits the orange liqueur for a cleaner taste.
  • It has sparked a global trend of minimalist cocktails that focus on highlighting the spirit’s quality.

Ingredients πŸ“ƒ

  • Tequila: 2 oz (60ml)
  • Fresh Lime Juice: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Agave Nectar: .5 oz (15ml)

A rocks glass is the best type of glass for serving a Tommy’s Margarita because its wide brim allows the aroma of the fresh lime to enhance the drinking experience. An alternative could be a Margarita glass, which also celebrates the cocktail’s visual appeal.

Recipe. How to make Tommy’s Margarita 🍹

  1. Pour 2 oz of Tequila, 1 oz of fresh Lime Juice, and .5 oz of Agave Nectar into a shaker.
  2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well-chilled.
  3. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
  4. Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge.

Tommy’s Margarita has a particular balance of sweet and sour, but it does contain sugar from the agave nectar. To make a healthier version, you could opt for a lighter touch on the sweetener or choose a natural alternative, though the original’s charm lies in its simplicity and the tequila’s smooth caress paired with lime’s tangy zing.

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Food Pairings

Certain dishes can elevate your Tommy’s Margarita experience by complementing its flavors. Here are some perfect culinary matches:

Grilled Fish Tacos

The smoky, charred flavor of grilled fish tacos harmonizes with the refreshing citrus notes of a Tommy’s Margarita, making each bite and sip a delightful encounter.

Spicy Chicken Enchiladas

The heat and richness of spicy chicken enchiladas are beautifully balanced by the cool, crisp taste of the Margarita, creating a dance of flavors on your palate.

Chips and Guacamole

The creamy texture and subtle taste of guacamole paired with crunchy chips become even more enjoyable with the smooth sipping of this iconic cocktail.

I really dig the way Tommy’s Margarita makes my taste buds tingle with its limey, sweet simplicity.


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Bartender Advice

  • Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Chill your glass beforehand to keep the drink extra cool and refreshing.
  • Adjust the amount of agave nectar to find your perfect balance of sweetness.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Tommy’s Margarita, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Tommy’s Margarita

  • You could use a different type of tequila, like Reposado for a deeper flavor.
  • Experiment with adding a pinch of salt directly into the mix, not just on the rim.
  • For a sweeter twist, try different natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Tommy’s Margarita Variations

Spicy Tommy’s Margarita

  • Ingredients: Add a slice of jalapeΓ±o into the shaker.
  • Recipe: Muddle the jalapeΓ±o before adding the rest of the ingredients.

Tommy’s Mango Margarita

  • Ingredients: Include 1 oz of fresh mango puree.
  • Recipe: Blend the puree with the other ingredients for a tropical twist.

Tommy’s Mezcal Margarita

  • Ingredients: Substitute tequila with mezcal for a smoky flavor.
  • Recipe: Replace tequila with equal parts mezcal and follow the standard recipe.

For a non-alcoholic version, mix fresh lime juice and agave nectar with sparkling water. Serve over ice for a refreshing mocktail that everyone can enjoy.

Q&A

Can I make a Tommy’s Margarita without agave nectar?

Certainly! Agave nectar adds sweetness, but you could try honey or simple syrupβ€”just remember, the flavor will change slightly.

What kind of tequila is best for a Tommy’s Margarita?

A 100% agave tequila, preferably blanco, is ideal for its clean, crisp taste, but feel free to experiment with reposado for a smoother finish.

Is it necessary to use a shaker for a Tommy’s Margarita?

While shaking with ice helps chill and dilute the drink for a balanced taste, in a pinch, you could stir the ingredients over ice directly in the glass.

How can I make my Tommy’s Margarita less sweet?

Simply reduce the amount of agave nectar, or if you’re adventurous, add a dash of lime for an extra zing!

What food goes best with a Tommy’s Margarita?

Mexican cuisines like tacos, ceviche, or nachos are fantastic with the cocktail. The bright acidity cuts through rich, savory flavors.

Can kids drink a virgin Tommy’s Margarita?

Absolutely! The non-alcoholic version is just as delicious and refreshing, minus the tequilaβ€”perfect for guests of all ages.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.

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