The Tommy’s Margarita is a celebrated variation of the classic Margarita, known for its focus on highlighting the quality and flavor of the tequila. Created in the late 1980s by Julio Bermejo at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, this version replaces the traditional orange liqueur with agave nectar, resulting in a drink that is less sweet and allows the agave notes of the tequila to shine. This simple yet impactful change has made Tommy’s Margarita a favorite among bartenders and tequila enthusiasts worldwide.
The History of Tommy’s Margarita: A San Francisco Story
Tommy’s Margarita was born at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, a family business started in 1965 by Julio Bermejo’s parents, Elmy and Tommy. Julio, who manages the beverage program, transformed Tommy’s into a tequila mecca, boasting one of the largest collections of 100% agave tequila outside of Mexico. His passion for tequila led him to experiment with the classic Margarita recipe, aiming to create a version that truly showcased the spirit’s nuances.
In 1987, Bermejo replaced the traditional triple sec with agave nectar, a natural sweetener derived from the same plant as tequila. This substitution not only reduced the sweetness of the cocktail but also complemented the tequila’s inherent agave flavors. The result was a Margarita that was both refreshing and complex, quickly gaining popularity among patrons and industry professionals.
While Bermejo created the drink, he never officially named it “Tommy’s Margarita”. The name emerged as London bartenders, who visited Tommy’s and learned Bermejo’s recipe, began to share it with others, crediting its origin.
Tommy’s Margarita Recipe: Ingredients and Preparation
The Tommy’s Margarita recipe is straightforward, emphasizing the quality of ingredients and the balance of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 60 ml (2 oz) 100% agave tequila (blanco or reposado)
- 30 ml (1 oz) fresh lime juice
- 30 ml (1 oz) agave nectar
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: Add tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel.
Some prefer to serve Tommy’s Margarita without salt on the rim, allowing the pure flavors of the tequila, lime, and agave to stand out. However, salting the rim is a matter of personal taste.
Why Agave Nectar? The Key to Tommy’s Margarita’s Success
The substitution of orange liqueur with agave nectar is the defining characteristic of Tommy’s Margarita. This seemingly simple change has several important effects:
- Enhances Tequila Flavor: Agave nectar complements the natural agave flavors of the tequila, creating a more harmonious and integrated taste profile.
- Reduces Sweetness: Agave nectar is less sweet than many orange liqueurs, resulting in a more balanced cocktail that is not cloying.
- Highlights Quality: By removing the masking effect of orange liqueur, Tommy’s Margarita encourages the use of high-quality, 100% agave tequila, as the spirit’s characteristics are more pronounced.
Julio Bermejo’s philosophy is that using agave nectar allows the flavors of the base spirit to shine through, making the tequila the star of the drink.
Variations and Twists on the Tommy’s Margarita
While the classic Tommy’s Margarita is a testament to simplicity, there are many ways to customize and adapt the recipe to suit individual preferences:
- Spicy Tommy’s Margarita: Add a slice of jalapeño to the shaker for a spicy kick, or rim the glass with Tajin, a Mexican seasoning made with chili, lime, and salt.
- Mezcal Tommy’s Margarita: Substitute tequila with mezcal for a smoky and complex variation.
- Tommy’s Margarita with Orange Bitters: Add a dash or two of orange bitters to introduce a hint of citrus complexity reminiscent of the traditional Margarita.
- Frozen Tommy’s Margarita: Blend all ingredients with ice for a refreshing frozen version, perfect for hot days.
Food Pairings for Tommy’s Margarita
Tommy’s Margarita pairs well with a variety of Mexican and Latin American dishes, as well as other cuisines that feature bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Some excellent food pairings include:
- Tacos: The bright acidity of the Margarita cuts through the richness of tacos, making it a refreshing accompaniment.
- Guacamole and Chips: The lime in the Margarita complements the avocado and cilantro in guacamole.
- Ceviche: The citrusy flavors of ceviche harmonize with the lime in the Margarita.
- Grilled Fish or Shrimp: The clean, crisp flavors of the Margarita enhance the taste of grilled seafood.
- Spicy Dishes: Tommy’s Margarita can help cool the palate when enjoying spicy foods.
Tommy’s Margarita: A Modern Classic
Tommy’s Margarita has earned its place as a modern classic, celebrated for its simplicity, balance, and focus on quality ingredients. Its popularity among bartenders and tequila aficionados is a testament to its enduring appeal. Whether enjoyed at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco or crafted at home, this tequila-forward twist on the classic Margarita is sure to impress.
