Omar Valadez's Margarita Verde
The Beverage Director at Lockdown Liquor & Co. reveals his ultimate summer cocktail recipe
- Words By Omar Valadez
Born in Mexico, Omar Valadez is now based in London where he leads cocktail creation at Lockdown Liquor & Co. With more than 15 years of mixing it up in the drinks industry around the world, his bold approach to flavour and inventive flair has found a great appreciation in the clubs and home bars of the UK.
Omar’s creations are usually defined by a deep admiration for flavour, as well as unexpected profiles that invigorate even the most jaded of cocktail enthusiasts. Guided by instinct, heritage and an experienced palate, Omar continues to craft cocktails that give you a refreshing lift. Here’s one of his personal favourites below.
MARGARITA VERDE
A fresh classic for those languid apero hours or the first long evenings of summer. Crisp blanco tequila pairs with cooling cucumber, fragrant basil and a hit of lime for a clean, herbaceous twist on the classic margarita. Light, bright, and best served over ice — it’s made for sunlit terraces and slow, warm nights.
METHOD
In a cocktail shaker, combine the thick cucumber slices with the large basil leaves and muddle well with a wooden spoon. Add the tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, ice cubes and shake well. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with a few small basil leaves and thin cucumber slices. Salud!
INGREDIENTS
- 4 thick slices of cucumber, muddled
- 4 basil leaves, muddled
- 45ml blanco tequila
- 20ml fresh lime juice
- 15ml agave syrup
- Ice
