Ask A South Florida Bartender: Top Tequila Cocktails 2015

With Cinco de Mayo on the horizon, bartenders across south Florida are gearing up for the yearly influx of thirsty patrons looking to satisfy their cravings and enjoy the festivities by savoring their favorite tequila-infused cocktails. The quest to find some of South Florida's most exotic and scrumptious tequila mixed-drink recipes has led to a very unlikely source.

Rosa Bennett
Romano's Macaroni Grill
12100 S.W. 88th St.
Miami, FL 33173
(305) 270-0621
www.macaronigrill.com

For more than five years, Rosa Bennett has been one of the top mixologists at Macaroni Grill. She is assertive in stating that tequila drinks are among her specialty. Bennett, who will venture into the Real Estate market in the coming months, was gracious enough to share some of her most popular recipes, not only for Cinco de Mayo, but for any occasion.

Margarita

Naturally no Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete without having an ice-cold Margarita. However, after Bennett serves her version, it's not unusual for customers to order two or more. She takes pride in the fact that her Margarita is more than just tequila and sour mix served on a salt-rimmed glass and shaken with ice. Instead, Bennett uses (1 1/6 oz.) Patron Silver Tequila, (2/3 oz.) Grand Marnier and her unique sour mix, which consists of (1/2 oz.) freshly squeezed lemon juice, lime juice and agave.

Tequila Sunrise

Because of its colorful appearance and tropical flavors, the Tequila Sunrise is also among most south Florida bartenders' top tequila cocktails. Not deviating much from the traditional Tequila Sunrise, Bennett serves hers in either a chilled highball glass and/or with chilled tequila. Her version is comprised of the following ingredients: (2 oz.) Milagro Tequila, (4 oz.) orange juice and a dash (1/8 tablespoon) of grenadine, adorned with a cherry and a slice of fresh orange on top.

Related: Top Spots For Tequila In Miami

Bloody Maria

The main difference between a traditional Bloody Mary and a Bloody Maria is merely the fact that the latter is made with tequila rather than vodka. According to Bennett, this is not only the perfect concoction for tomato-loving tequila drinkers who enjoy spicy and complex combinations, but also for those dealing with a hangover. Her Bloody Maria is made with (1/2 oz.) Tequila Don Julio, (4 oz.) tomato juice, (1/2 oz.) lime juice, (1/8 teaspoon) salt, Worcestershire and Tabasco sauce and garnished with a lime wedge and celery.

Gold Driver

A Gold Driver is the perfect choice for those thirsty for something more simple than Margaritas, Tequila Sunrises and the Bloody Marias. Much like in the case of the Bloody Mary and the Bloody Maria, the only variable here is that the vodka is substituted by tequila. In this instance, Bennett prefers to serve the Gold Driver in a lowball glass filled with ice and (3 oz.) Jose Cuervo Gold topped off with orange juice. Bennett contends that many bartenders like to squeeze a slice of lime into the Gold Driver, but she prefers not to. Nevertheless, she encourages tequila lovers to try it both ways and then decide for themselves.

Related: Ask A South Florida Bartender: Your Top Martini Recipe

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