THE FUSE

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Does it feel like tequila has been everywhere recently for you, too? I swear I’m seeing articles every week claiming it’s better for you. But then again, I am definitely feeding into that news, whether it’s Big Tequila’s propaganda or not.

With my newfound love for the spirit, I’ve been looking for fun new ways to enjoy it. Sure, a spicy marg or sweet paloma is sometimes exactly what you need, but I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled and ears open for something a little different. And I just learned about a surprising combo that, according to Master Tequila blender Oscar Vasquez Camarena, everyone in Mexico drinks.

I recently chatted with Camarena who told me that growing up in Jalisco, Mexico, everyone paired tequila with mineral water and a splash of Coca-Cola. So obviously, I had to try.

This recipe doesn’t require any hard measurements, so it’s perfect for anyone who likes to experiment with their own ratios of sweetness and strength. His exact instructions: “Ice, a good amount of mineral water, and just a dash of Coca-Cola!!”

He said you only want to add a splash of Coke to just slightly darken the color. If you’re feeling fancy, then you can even add a lime wedge to the glass.

As much as I am getting into tequila right now, the flavor is still a little too much for me sometimes. To be honest, I still don’t quite enjoy sipping tequila neat. However, this flavor combination perfectly cuts through that burning sensation.

The sweetness of the Coke helps balance out the liquor taste in a way that I didn’t expect. One little ingredient really made all the difference! You get a light tequila flavor as well as a touch of Coke, without feeling like you’re just drinking a well tequila drink at a bar.

Also, this cocktail is perfect for anyone who loves a crisp, carbonated Coke. The mineral water made things even more bubbly, which helped cut through the liquor. If you try out this Jalisco-loved cocktail and enjoy it (just like me), Vasquez Camarena also recommended trying batanga. It’s just Coca-Cola, salt, and lime!