The transition from Summer to Fall is never an easy one, and Beverage Directory Morgan Hurley created the perfect (drinkable) solution for this change.
Mex 1 Coastal Cantina in Charleston, SC offers the Strawberry Honey Basil Margarita. We asked Morgan to tell us more.
Talk to us about Mex 1. What kind of experience can guests expect?
Mex 1 is a fun, surf inspired beach bar serving up craveable tacos, memorable margaritas and a killer Mexi-Cali brunch all in a friendly, laid back atmosphere – a vibe that embodies the surfing and coastal lifestyle parallel to the Baja Peninsula culture.
Tell us about the Strawberry Honey Basil Margarita.
The Strawberry Honey Basil Margarita is a light and refreshing cocktail that is perfect for the end of summer.
Talk to us about the ingredients in the cocktail.
We start by infusing our own Tequilas in house by combining 100% Agave Tequila and fresh fruit. We then create a honey based sour mix using lemon and honey in place of agave nectar and lime. Once we shake up all of these ingredients, we garnish with basil to freshen up the cocktail and provide some nice herbal notes.
What inspired the cocktail?
Our goal was to create a cocktail that transitions us from summer to fall. It’s hard to go from Pina Coladas to Pumpkin spice in August when it is still very hot out, especially in SC. This cocktail is light and refreshing, but the strawberries and honey hint towards fall.
What inspires the beverage program?
Our beverage program is rooted in Agave spirits, more specifically carrying only 100% Agave Tequilas. We like to say we don’t have the biggest Tequila list, but we have the most sustainable. We also infuse a lot of our own Tequilas with fresh fruit like Pineapple, Pineapple Habanero, Strawberry Cucumber, etc to provide consistent flavors in our margaritas.
Tell us a bit about your background in the industry.
I have been mixing cocktails in the industry since the mid 2000s when mixology was first becoming a thing. I worked at a very high volume beach bar which taught me that creating simple and flavorful cocktails is important for speed and consistency. I have won a few cocktail competitions over the years ranging from vodka based competitions to Tequila based competitions. Since starting with Mex 1, my passion has really been on education around Tequila allowing me to travel to Mexico to learn more about the spirit, speak at conferences and do trainings with our staff.
Strawberry Honey Basil Margarita
Recipe courtesy of Mex 1’s Beverage Director, Morgan Hurley
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Lunazul Blanco Tequila
- 2-3 strawberries, diced
- 1 oz honey-basil syrup*
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 1 1/2 oz soda water
Preparation: Add the Lunazul, strawberries, and honey-basil syrup into a shaker and lightly muddle. Add the lemon juice to the shaker, top with ice, and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Add ice and soda water to a rocks glass and double strain the cocktail from the shaker. Garnish with a lemon wheel and basil leaves.
*Honey-basil syrup
Take one cup of honey and one cup of boiling water and combine in a heat-safe bowl. Add a handful of basil leaves and cover and let sit for 30 minutes. Strain the basil and label and refrigerate. Will be good for 2-3 weeks.
The post Behind the Cocktail: Beverage Director Morgan Hurley’s Strawberry Honey Basil Margarita appeared first on Chilled Magazine.
Source: Mixology News
