Tips on Tuesday: Know Your Margarita

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Know Your Margarita

What makes a margarita truly great?

A good drink is often the best way to escape from everyday chaos. Whether you are raising your glass to great accomplishment or to unwind from a hard day at work, at the end of the day you want a great drink...not just an ordinary one. 

So, often, when confronted with an extensive drink menu, it is easy to run for what is convenient or what looks least intimidating as the pressure of a server or bartender seems to increase with each second as you look at the menu (relax, we just want to help). 

To break down some of the intimidation with ordering a margarita, here is some advice for what to look for when you are ordering a margarita that fits your taste and takes you away to your special place:

A basic margarita consists of three ingredients:

1.     Tequila
2.     Orange Liqueur
3.     Lime Juice or Sour Mix

The key to make this simple recipe something truly special comes making sure your ingredients are the best for what you want to do.

Choosing tequila:

Tequila is the personality of your drink, therefore, you want tequila with bite and some edge. This leaves you with the choice of a white (Blanco) or Reposado (tequila that has rested in oak for several months). Look for tequilas that are made out of 100% Agave Nectar. Otherwise, the tequila is mixed with added sugar, which is often credited with the headache the next day. 

Anejo tequilas are reserved for sipping and savoring after the meal. Our favorite at Lupita's is Blue Nectar Silver.

Following, you have the choice of the orange base of your drink. For lower shelf options, a basic triple sec is adequate, just remember the alcohol content is low and they are usually very sweet. 

As you go higher end, the choice is often between Cointreau and Grand Marnier. Cointreau is a type of triple sec with higher alcohol content. Grand Marnier, on the other hand, is made from cognac and is twice as sweet as Cointreau. When you look for something a little tart: Grand Marnier. When you are looking for something smooth, choose Cointreau.

Classically, lime juice is used for a margarita, however, limes are very expensive now, and we find them to be too sour which can upset both your taste buds and your stomach. 

We go for a nice sweet and sour that we make. We make sure our sour mix gives the margarita a nice sour taste that is not watery. We also make sure it does not leave a waxy taste in your mouth after. You do not want to feel like you are drinking a Warhead Sour Candy but having a refined drink.

The variations on the margarita are endless but the basics are always the same. Knowing to ask for good tequila and your choice for the orange or sweet base of the margarita will surely help you find your favorite margarita. And, as always, Drink Responsibly.

Mother's Day At Lupita's

Happy Mother's Day!

How will you be treating your mom?

Mother's Day is around the corner and we have quite the weekend shaping up! Enjoy Live music from Latin group, "Trio Bohemio" (Sunday12-3pm) and special Peruvian dish "Arroz con Pollo!" Remember, at Lupita's we try our hardest to keep our wait times to a minimum so you can enjoy your holiday with as little hassle as possible. We are great for big parties and welcome you to bring all your friends for a great show! Feel free to call ahead at: (303) 344-0020.

Arroz Con Pollo

Red Sangria

White Sangria

Trio Bohemio

Tips on Tuesday: Juicing your Limes and Dollars

The great lime shortage of 2014 is hitting us where it hurts- our pockets and our cocktails. However, there are some cocktail hacks that can be made to drinks, or even new drinks you can try, in order to keep you taste buds and wallet in line.

First, to get about 10% more lime juice microwave your lime for 20-30 seconds, then let it cool (30 seconds) then cut and squeeze normally. The heat will make the juice bulbs softer (some may burst in the microwave process) allowing the juice to flow easier. Also, roll your lime on the table before cutting it to coax some of the juices out. When you look for limes, look for ones with a thin skin because they are juicier.

Second, yellow lemons. They are not quite the same, sometimes a combo mix of both lemons and limes works for your citrus needs.

For shots, since many of the limes are not as juicy as usual, add a little honey for a fun mix of sweet, sour, and smooth tequila as well as a variation on salt.

I hope that this will help you get by the shortage a little easier and be sure to check us out on Pinterest for more recipes, tips, and pictures!