08.30.12
Now that I live in San Diego, I want to spend every day possible at the beach. Burying my toes in the sand with a bright blue sky above brings a happiness beyond words. Two years spent land locked in Texas created a longing I didn’t even know existed until paddled out one sunny morning. It’s funny how that happens…
That being said, I still miss Texas. A lot. While I may not miss those record setting temperatures, I do miss congregating outside with friends on warm Summer nights. It was simply too hot to do anything during the day, which meant late nights spent in good company. The best part? Nearly every bar and restaurant boasted a dog friendly patio with communal tables, local beers, and hand crafted cocktails. I remember many nights spent on the patio at Rio Rita on the East Side sipping Palomas and laughing with friends. I also remember how wretched the uphill bicycle ride home at 2am was… but even now that’s something I miss.. the empty streets, clear skies, and, quite simply, the bike-ability of that town. Is bike-ability a word?? No? Well, you know what I mean.
This drink combines the best of both of those worlds in the form of a cocktail… Tequila, meet Saison Diego. You two were meant to be summertime friends.
Ingredients
Makes 1 cocktailSteps
Rim a highball glass (or margarita glass if you’re classy like me and haven’t unpacked your glassware yet) using a lime. Pour salt onto a small plate and coat the glass lightly with the salt mixture. Add a few ice cubes and set aside. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice; add the grapefruit juice, lime juice, tequila, and simple syrup. Shake well. Strain into the prepared glass. Top with an ounce of Saison Diego, garnish with the lime wedge, and only serve if the sun is shining overhead.
Variations:
– Add a pinch of cayenne to the salt mixture for a bit of kick. – Muddle a jalapeno and/or mint sprigs in the cocktail shaker before adding the other ingredients. – Prepare the simple syrup with a few slices of citrus added to while dissolving the sugar into the water for additional flavor. – Go traditional and skip the shaker.. use grapefruit Jarritos soda instead of grapefruit juice and stir to combine.Tags: cocktail • cooking with beer • craft beer • green flash • margarita • paloma • recipes • saison • saison diego • tequila