Partida Tequila Brings Flavor To Your Sip, Shot or Cocktail
The legend of the Spirit Bird emblazoned on every bottle of Partida Tequila ensures not only 100% blue agave Tequila in the bottle, but also that the recipient of this nectar is sipping “a gift of the gods.” Possibly Partida lore, but after tasting this tequila I for one am convinced this spirit has achieved something rather special.
Partida Tequila is unique for several reasons:
- Partida Tequila uses only one source for their tequila; the Partida estate. This ensures quality control. Most tequila distillers rely on a hodgepodge of agave growers taking quality control out of their hands.
- Partida uses only 100% pure blue agave for their Tequila. What most tequila enthusiasts do not realize is a fair amount of tequilas cannot claim to do so.
- The Partidas allow their agave plants seven to ten years to mature before harvest. Afterward the pinas are slowly baked for 20 hours rather than steam blasted as is the practice of other tequila producers.
The difference the choices the Partida family makes for its Tequila is an enhanced flavor profile one would expect similar to a fine wine or fine Cognac. What I found in my tasting of the three Partida Tequilas (Blanco, Reposado and Anejo) is that each one is unique and all excellent for sipping. The Blanco is so smooth one could almost sip it like water. It is refreshing and light almost as if sipping a cool breeze. The Reposado brings more spice to the palate without the harshness associated with many types of tequila. Rounding out the trio is the Anejo. Its smooth richness is balanced by spice and hints of nut and fruit. The flavor profile is there, yet it is not so extreme that it overwhelms. Each sip had my tongue rolling the tequila about, savoring it, and leaving me wanting more. Enjoying the flavor experience is what premium spirits are all about. Partida Tequila makes this possible.
Most partakers of tequila have one particular drink in mind; the margarita. Partida Tequilas round out the typical margarita extremely well. However, if you have not seen their recipes yet, Partida has gone above and beyond the margarita and well exceeded the expectations of the average cocktail.
Partida’s showcase margarita made famous by Julio Bermejo at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco is an incredible find. The recipe is simple and raw without flair. In my opinion there is entirely too much sweet in the recipe for the Partida Tequila to shine through, but this is an easy adjustment to make. That aside, this is my favorite type of margarita bar none. The Partida Margarita with 100% Agave Nectar uses the finest of tequilas, agave nectar for the sweetening agent to complement the tequila and lime juice. Simplicity. If you have only ever had margaritas from bottle or frozen mixes or made your margaritas using sweet and sour or variations of triple sec, this is an absolute must try. This is the only way to enjoy a margarita and get the robust flavor of the tequila you are sampling. It is only then you will come to appreciate the need for a smooth, full bodied, flavorful tequila such as Partida.
Partida enlisted Dale De Groff for one of their many recipes. Dale De Groff is The King Cocktail. If you do not have one of his books or been to his online site, go there. His site is listed in my Blogroll. He is a master. Some liquor companies make a fine product, but then do not take the time to come up with unique or flavorful recipes. Consumers are always looking for wonderful recipes to go with their liquor. They want to know what to do with the spirits they love. Partida did not drop the ball. The Ruby Partida is one case in point. Not only does this drink look amazing it tastes incredible. This cocktail uses grapefruit juice and French Cassis. French Cassis is not easy to find, but well worth the trouble. The fresh grapefruit juice gives this cocktail just the right amount of bite or edge in the first sip. It is immediately followed by the spice of the Partida Reposado. After my first few sips I gently stirred in the French Cassis that sat so beautifully at the bottom of the martini glass. This gave the cocktail a refreshing new flavor, with a hint of more sweetness, but not overwhelmingly so. The Ruby Partida is a delicate balance of spiced sweetness.
There are so many more recipes to sample with any of the three Partida Tequilas. All may be found in the Pages section under Partida Tequila Cocktails. You may also find Partida Tequila Info in the Pages section. Here you will find history of the company, tasting notes and press releases. Partida Tequila has an interesting website full of information as well.
Partida Margarita with 100% Agave Nectar
1-1/2 ounce Partida Blanco Tequila
1 ounce Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
3/4 ounce Agave Nectar
3/4 ounce Water
Shake all ingredients with ice in a shaker. Strain over ice into a Margarita glass or Old-Fashioned glass. Taste for Balance. Note: This is the Margarita recipe made World famous by Julio Bermejo at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco.
Intoxicologist Note: Agave Nectar is much sweeter than bar syrup or sugar. This margarita is too sweet in my opinion. I suggest mixing in 1/4 ounce measurements of Agave Nectar at a time until reaching the desired sweetness you prefer for your margarita. I prefer approximately 1/4 ounce in this particular recipe.
Ruby Partida
1-1/2 ounce Partida Reposado Tequila
1-1/2 ounce Fresh Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice
1/2 ounce Cointreau
1/2 ounce Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
1/2 ounce French Cassis
Shake the first four ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Dribble the 1/2 ounce French Cassis down the inside of the glass so it will settle at the bottom. Recipe by King Cocktail – Dale De Groff.



