Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek

OK, this weekend's cocktail is gonna be a trip to the other side of the spectrum. This is definitely a party drink. This is one of my original creations and it's fun & tasty. I give you the Selma Hayek.

Lotta pictures with this one, because I want you to understand the inspiration of this beauty. This drink was inspired mostly by the character Carolina from Desperado & Once Upon a Time in Mexico as well as a touch of the Nurse from Across the Universe.

Carolina

First, let's talk about Carolina. This sensual beauty is no damsel in distress. yes, she may appear girly at first glance, but trust me she can hold her own. You see while she is all beauty on the surface, do not be fooled, get too close and she’ll stab you from across the room. Note: the garter belt of stabby things. 

Some exposition on the drink's creation. I was mixing & shaking for a Cinco de Mayo party. I wanted something besides the standard margarita and tequila shots. I wanted a drink that celebrated the tequila, tasted good, and wasn't just another tequila sunrise… And could be appreciated by those who said, “I've had bad experiences with tequila.”

Hello, Nurse

Quintuple?

Now we come to the Nurse, all red-lipped and uniformy. She appears in the movie Across the Universe during the song "Happiness is a Warm Gun" which takes place in a military medical ward. 

That's right, let this lovely siren nurse you back to health and appreciation of the spirit so often referred to as “to-kill-ya.” But be wary, too much and you may be seeing double or worse.

I think you get the picture(s), let's talk about the drink.

Salma Hayek

3 Oz Orange Juice

1 1/2 Oz Silver Tequila

1 Oz Rose's Lime

1 Oz Cranberry Juice

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Rim rocks glass with grenadine / sugar. Add ice.

Combine contents in shaker with Ice. Strain into glass.

It starts with the rim. To me the presentation and look of the drink is just as important as the taste, especially if that presentation helps enhance the taste. First, pour some grenadine into a saucer or small plate. Have a second saucer, or better yet a small bowl ready with sugar. If you use a bowl make sure the entire rim of a small rocks glass can fit.

Grenadine sugar rim

Now dip the glass into the grenadine so the rim is nicely lined inside & out. Then dip into the sugar and spin slowly. When done you should have a sexy sweet red sugar-rim. Groovy, put some ice in the glass, and set it aside. It's time to build the cocktail.

In a cocktail shaker half filled with ice pour 1 1/2 oz silver tequila. I recommend silver over gold in this instance. This is a light drink. Gold tequila is often colored and flavored with carmel which is part of why it works so well for most margaritas. In a fruity drink like this you want silver. Silver / Blanco / White is a pure spirit that's been aged less than 60 days, if aged at all. As for your Reposado? That is a fine sipping tequila. This is not the place for it.

In the same shaker add three ounces of orange juice and 1 ounce of Rose's Lime Juice. I happen to love Rose's. Some people feel it should never be used. I personally think it gets over used, but that does not mean it needs to be avoided altogether. It can be used as a great flavoring in a cocktail, but should never replace fresh lime juice when a recipe calls for it. Rounding off the mix, an ounce of cranberry juice. It's that slight tart amidst the citrus and sweetness and adds nice coloring.

Finally, shake it on up & strain into your rimmed glass and serve with a mischievous smile. Enjoy!

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From Dusk Till Dawn

Ok, so if your fondest memory of Salma Hayek is this and you want that crazy "devil water" experience I give the following variation and advise you to use a pint glass

4 Oz Orange Juice
2 1/2 Oz Silver Tequila
1 Oz Rose's Lime Juice
1 Oz Cranberry Juice
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Rim pint glass with grenadine / sugar. Add ice.

Combine contents in shaker with Ice. Strain into glass. 
Do a quick float of bloodthirsty red grenadine.

Call it a Santanico Pandemonium or Vampire Queen. 
But I take no responsibility for the undead feeling that will follow.