You might not realize it, but there is an art to perfecting the cocktail. You can’t have it too sweet and you can’t have it too bitter — you need to find just the right balance. We learned all about the art of the craft cocktail at Café El Presidente with Tacombi Group’s new Beverage Director and Master Mixologist, Cameron Dale. Prior to joining Tacombi Group, Dale worked for Keith McNally, Minetta Tavern and ZZ’s Clam Bar. During our evening of shaking and stirring, Dale both demonstrated how to make some of Café El Presidente’s signature cocktails and also let us whip some up ourselves.
The cocktail menu features classic Mexican drinks like margaritas, palomas, and daiquiris, but also has more unique Mexican-inspired drinks to choose from. Our lesson taught us how to make three of their most popular cocktails — Zapata, Madero and Camacho. Don’t take our word for how good they were, make some yourselves!
Zapata
Citrusy rum-based hibiscus cocktail
1 1/2 oz. El Dorado 3 year old rum
1 oz. Jamaica (hibiscus)
3/4 oz. fresh lime juice
1/4 oz. agave nectar
1/4 oz. St. Germain elderflower liqueur
1/4 oz. Pampelmousse grapefruit liquor
2 dashes angosturra bitters
Shaken, served on the rocks with pineapple leaf garnish.
Madero
Refreshing tequila cocktail with aloe vera & cucumber
1 1/2 oz. Herradura Blanco Tequila
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. agave nectar
1/2 oz. Chareau aloe vera liquor
Muddle 3 cucumber slices. Shake, serve on the rocks with cucumber wheel garnish.
Camacho
Spicy cocktail with habanero, papaya & rum
1 1/2 oz. Denizen white rum
1 oz. papaya carrot juice
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
1/2 oz. agave nectar
1/4 oz. Ancho Reyes chili liquor
2 dashes angosturra bitters
2 drops Vista Hermosa habanero salsa
Shaken, served up with half chili salt rim.
Café El President doesn’t just serve drinks, though. Located in the Flatiron District, this Mexico City-style cafe offers authentic made to order Mexican cuisine that will have you asking for ‘más.‘
Twisted Talk: Have you been to Tacombi’s Café El Presidente? Which of these drinks will you be making? Discuss below!
