After chatting about various libations with Libby and her head bartender (Leo) in Austin the other day, we diverged off into a wandering discussion that led somehow to the best tequilas under $40 bucks.
While not inspiring near the knockdown, fight-it-out-in-the-parking-lot disputations that brisket, what ever might be the essential Texas taco, or the real origins of chile (the chile queens in San Antonio, of course) – talking about tequilas inspires a fair amount of dogged dialogue down in these parts.
Leo argues that the best bargain tequila on the market is McCormick’s Plata while Libby vouches for the Cimarron Blanco. Leo even told a story (a tall tale I’m guessing) about today’s Cape Fear being inspired by Nick Nolte, a couple of bottles of Ocean Spray Cranberry juice and McCormick’s Plata.
I can see this one materializing out of drift boat cooler any time of year, but for sure this July under the Big Sky.
2 ounces of tequila (McCormick Plata in the original)
4 ounces Ocean Spray Cranberry (the original)
Squeeze of fresh limeGarnish: Fresh cranberries, lime slice
Combine in a rocks glass over ice, give it a quick stir and garnish.
Enjoy.
