The Tommy’s Margarita: A Modern Classic
When it comes to Margaritas, there are countless variations and riffs to choose from. However, one particular version has stood the test of time and earned its place as a modern classic – the Tommy’s Margarita. Invented by Julio Bermejo in the early 1990s at his family’s restaurant, Tommy’s Mexican in San Francisco, this cocktail has become a staple in the world of tequila cocktails.
What sets the Tommy’s Margarita apart from the traditional recipe is its simple yet revolutionary build. Instead of using orange liqueur as the sweetener, Bermejo opted for agave nectar to complement the earthy, vegetal notes of high-quality tequila. This allows the tequila to shine through, rather than being masked by artificially sweetened liqueurs.
Bermejo’s dedication to showcasing the true essence of tequila didn’t stop at the Tommy’s Margarita. He also made a bold move to only serve tequila made from 100% agave at Tommy’s, at a time when the majority of tequila on the U.S. market was mixto, blended with sugars, neutral spirits, and other additives. This commitment to quality and authenticity paved the way for a new era of tequila appreciation in the United States.
The iconic status of the Tommy’s Margarita lies in its ability to highlight the tequila itself. By removing the orange liqueur and using agave nectar as a sweetener, Bermejo created a drink where every component works in harmony to showcase the spirit. This shift in focus from fruitiness to tequila-forwardness has influenced bartenders worldwide and redefined the Margarita as we know it.
Even if you haven’t heard of the Tommy’s Margarita by name, chances are you’ve tasted its influence in other cocktails. Bartenders across the country have adopted Bermejo’s use of agave nectar as a “secret trick” to elevate their Margaritas. While many modern recipes call for diluted agave syrup, the classic Tommy’s Margarita sticks to pure agave nectar for a clean and bright finish that puts tequila front and center.
In conclusion, the Tommy’s Margarita is more than just a cocktail – it’s a testament to the power of simplicity and quality ingredients. By stripping away unnecessary additions and focusing on the essence of tequila, Julio Bermejo created a drink that has earned its place in the pantheon of cocktail classics. Cheers to the Tommy’s Margarita!
