What is a Tommy’s margarita?

This variation of the margarita cocktail is a twist on a classic that has become a classic in its own right.

But who is Tommy and what is a Tommy’s margarita? Read on for the story behind this sweet cocktail and try our Tommy’s margarita recipe.

Why is it called a Tommy’s margarita?

Tommy’s margarita was created by Julio Bermejo, a Californian native, with Mexican roots, and a highly regarded expert on Tequila.

In the ’90s, Bermejo was working at Tommy’s, a Mexican restaurant in San Francisco. It was founded by his parents, Tomas (Tommy) and Elmy Bermejo, in 1965 and is still run by the family today. 

The restaurant developed a reputation for their Tequila range and knowledge; the Wall Street Journal once called the restaurant “the epicentre of Tequila in the United States”, while CNN referred to it as “ground zero of the Tequila revolution”.

Bermejo was working behind the bar when he invented the Tommy’s margarita, earning him Agave royalty status. 

Now a global standard, in 2008 the Tommy’s margarita became the first venue-specific cocktail to be included in the International Bartender’s Association manual. 

Tommy’s margarita vs classic

The traditional margarita uses Tequila, lime juice and triple sec (an orange-flavoured liqueur that originated in France), while a Tommy’s margarita swaps out the triple sec for Agave nectar. 

Yes – more Agave. Agave nectar is produced from the same part of the agave plant (the core) as Tequila, but instead of fermenting the juice to create alcohol, it is filtered and heated to create a syrup.  Agave nectar (or syrup) is similar in flavour to honey, but with a slightly more balanced edge to it.  

The use of Agave nectar instead of triple sec gives the Tommy’s margarita a more natural sweetness and lets the flavour of the Tequila shine through, as well as producing a smoother finish than a classic margarita.

The Tommy’s Margarita has less calories than a classic margarita, is simple and unpretentious, and exudes a generous balance between sweetness and tartness that lends itself well to creative additions (try adding a pinch of our Worm Up Vegan Hibiscus Chipotle Salt to the drink as well as the rim, or garnish with slices of fresh jalapeño). 

No wonder a Tommy’s margarita has become a global classic.

Tommy’s Margarita recipe

Combine our premium Tequila Corralejo Reposado, Señor Maguey Organic Agave Nectar and delicious Hibiscus and Chipotle handmade salt for a Tommy’s margarita that you’ll have on high rotation in your cocktail bar all year round. 

You’ll need a cocktail shaker, a strainer, a small plate for salt and your choice of glassware (a margarita glass is fun, but a rocks glass works just as well).

Ingredients

• 60mL Tequila Corralejo Reposado
• 30mL fresh lime juice
• 15mL Señor Maguey Organic Agave Nectar
• A pinch or two of Worm Up Vegan Hibiscus Chipotle Salt

Directions

• Add all ingredients to an ice-filled shaker.
• Salt the rim of your tumbler glass with hibiscus salt.
• Half-fill a tumbler glass with ice.
• Shake your cocktail shaker for 15-20 seconds.
• Pour cocktail over ice-filled tumbler glass.
• Garnish with a slice of lime and enjoy.

To make it even easier for you to enjoy this clean and refreshing cocktail, we’ve curated a Tommy’s Margarita Cocktail Kit for you, including our premium Tequila Corralejo Reposado, Señor Maguey organic Agave nectar and our delicious hibiscus and chipotle handmade salt. 

Add to cart, mix, enjoy.