Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/376390
september 2014 / the tasting panel / 1 17 Mexican Beertails Instead of utilizing worn-out stereotypes, share in the festivities of the coming month by serving these authentic Mexican cocktails featuring Tecate and Indio. Tecate Chipotle Michelada ◗ 6 oz. chilled Tecate or Tecate Light ◗ 2 fresh lime wedges, cut in half ◗ Chipotle rimming salt (1 oz. coarse kosher salt and ½ oz. ground chipotle chili powder) ◗ ½ oz. hot sauce or 1 /6 oz. puréed canned chipotles en adobo ◗ 1 sliced cucumber garnish ◗ Use a piece of the lime wedge to wet the rim of a tall glass with lime. Dip the rim of the glass into the chipotle rimming salt. Squeeze the juice from the remaining lime pieces into the glass and then add the lime pieces. Stir in the chipotle hot sauce or pureed chipotles in adobo. Fill the glass with ice. Pour in the Tecate or Tecate Light. Mix gently. Garnish with a cucumber slice. Hecho en Indio ◗ 1 oz. Morita chili–infused tequila (see recipe below) ◗ ½ oz. celery juice ◗ ¾ oz. pineapple juice ◗ Pineapple flag and crushed red chilies garnish ◗ Top with Indio beer ◗ Combine tequila, celery juice and pineapple in a cocktail shaker with cubed ice. Shake and strain into a high ball glass. Top with Indio beer and stir. Garnish with a pineapple flag dipped in crushed red chilies. ◗ Morita chili-infused tequila: To Infuse the reposado tequila, add a cup of Morita chilies to a measuring jug, pour one liter of reposado tequila over the chilies and rest for 90 minutes. Even though both of these brands hail from south of the border, each beer has its own personality and—for the most part—serves different segments of this diverse population. Guerra expands, "Tecate goes after the bold Hispanic man who lives in the U.S. and showcases deter- mination, wit, ingenuity and carácter in his everyday life. Indio, on the other hand, has had a very specific approach since its launch in the U.S. in 2012: bicultural Hispanic Millennials 21+ who express their identity and culture through art and music." Knowing and understanding these nuances becomes invaluable when trying to celebrate Mexican Independence Day and other holidays with guests. Guerra's advice for those looking to encourage their patrons to celebrate their Mexican heritage: "It's important to remain authentic and not assume that this consumer will come to your restaurant and bar just because you bring in a mariachi band for the night. Don't rely on stereotypes to convey their heritage and your relevance to Hispanic con- sumers." So follow Tecate and Indio's lead and help your customers stay true to Mexican traditions this National Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day. ¡Viva México!