Agave Month 2024 – Caldera
Even though I photographed a few cocktails before our move, I barely have time for anything else since. Yet, I still want to present to you this great agave-forward Old-Fashioned variation. It uses a combination of two tequilas which really adds a nice layer of complexity.
I do love the Purasangre Añejo Tequila my parents brought back from Mexico a few years back. Yet, the only drawback is that it has only and ABV of 38 % and therefore tends to get a bit lost in mixed drinks. To remedy this, I tend to add a splash of overproof blanco tequila.
A combination of bitters and agave
Apart from that, the “Caldera” is pretty straight forward. I used a combination of grapefruit bitters (a must in Tequila Old-Fashioneds for me) as well as the Black Lemon bitters from Scrappy’s. As a sweetener I also opted for the no-brainer of agave syrup.
1,5 cl Villa Lobos Blanco 55 % Tequila
2 Dashes The Bitter Truth Grapefruit Bitters
2 Dashes Scrappy’s Black Lemon Bitters
0,75 cl Agave Syrup
Garnish: Grapefruit Twist;
Song: Calexico – Caldera;
I could describe this drink in one short sentence: The “Caldera” is an excellent Tequila Old-Fashioned! However, if I have to use more words: The two tequilas as well as the two bitters work together beautifully. The drink is complex, but still goes down very smoothly. Maybe even too smooth. If you must, you could add a few sprays of Mezcal to add a few ‘edges’ to the drink.
