Bartending 101: Drink Variances

What are drink variances?

Have you ever gone to a bar and ordered the same drink you ordered at another bar, and it tastes completely different? We all have, and it can be frustrating. There are multiple reasons why that happens. Basic cocktails can be made in multiple ways, depending on where you go. 

The many variances of how a drink can be made:

Variance 1: homemade steeped fruit

Variance 2: fresh mashed fruit or puree

Variance 3: prepared purees, juices, nectars

Variance 4: produced flavored vodka

Variance 5: flavored other liquor (incorrect liquor same flavor)

Variance 6: regular vodka flavored with fruit liqueur

Variance 7: bottled prepared martini mix (just add vodka)

Margarita – Three Different Ways

Here is how you make a margarita in three different ways. If you know you like your margarita or cocktail made a certain way, don’t be afraid to ask a bartender to make it that way!

Margarita #1 – Triple Sec

Ingredients

• 2 lime wedges
• ¼ cup kosher salt
• 4 oz. Patrón Silver Tequila
• 2 oz. Dekuyper Signature Series Triple Sec
• 1 ½ oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
• Ice

Directions

1. Pour kosher salt on a small shallow plate. Rim two glasses with a lime wedge, then dip in salt to coat rim.
2. Divide tequila, triple sec, and lime juice between 2 glasses and stir to combine. Top with ice, garnish with lime and serve.

Margarita #2 – Sweet and Sour Mix

Ingredients

• 2 lime wedges
• ¼ cup kosher salt
• 2 oz. Patrón Silver Tequila
• 2 oz. sweet and sour mix
• ½ oz Dekuyper Signature Series Triple Sec
• 1 tbsp. fresh lime juice

Directions

1. Pour kosher salt on a small shallow plate. Rim two glasses with a lime wedge, then dip in salt to coat rim.
2. Divide tequila, triple sec, and lime juice between 2 glasses and stir to combine. Top with ice, garnish with lime and serve.

Margarita #3 – Agave

Ingredients

• 2 lime wedges
• Kosher salt
• ¼ cup Hornitos Tequila Plata Tequila
• 1 tablespoon agave syrup
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice

Directions

1. Pour some kosher salt into a small dish. Rub 1 lime slice over half the rim of an Old-Fashioned glass (if you prefer your Margarita on the rocks) or a coupe glass (if you prefer it up). Dip rim of glass into salt.
2. Combine tequila, agave syrup, and juice in a cocktail shaker; fill with ice and shake well. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish with second lime slice.

For more on Bartending 101, visit the Tasting Room!