OTC x Jose Cuervo: Our Summer Drink, The Tabard Cocktail

Summer cocktails are many, varied, refreshing, and always looked forward to.  When Jose Cuervo approached us and asked that we tell you about a favorite OTC summer cocktail that included, of course, tequila, it was excellent timing.

First, what cocktail worth its salt, so to speak, doesn’t contain tequila?  Second, we had recently rediscovered a favorite drink made famous by a famous D.C. institution, the Hotel Tabard Inn.

The Tabard Cocktail is warmer and cozier than most other “summer” cocktails, but it fits perfectly the context of how this unique concoction plays into our day.  As prepared by OTC, the Tabard Cocktail is built on the smooth and subtle complexity of Jose Cuervo’s 100% blue agave Tradicional Reposado tequila and the deep honey-infused scotch whiskey tones of Drambuie.

It’s perfect for sitting back in your leather club chair, or gathering with friends at the end of the week, and slowing down a bit to appreciate life.  It’s a sipping cocktail and a thoughtful drink.

Created by Chantal Tseng, the Hotel Tabard Inn’s head mixologist, the Tabard Cocktail feels like a throwback to the age of classic cocktails like the Sidecar or the Manhattan.  Tseng, a certified sommelier and founding member of the D.C. Craft Bartenders Guild, says she is inspired by seasonal ingredients from the kitchen and garden as well as old cocktail books and forgotten recipes.

The Tabard Cocktail

1 1/2 oz. Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado Tequila
1/2 oz. Amontillado sherry
1/2 oz. Drambuie
Dash of orange bitters
Ice cubes
Orange Peel
Fresh Thyme Sprig

You will need a mixing glass and strainer or a shaker with a straining top.  The drink is served in a cocktail glass.

Add the ice cubes into the mixing glass and stir the tequila, sherry, Drambuie, and bitters.  Strain into a cocktail glass. Twist orange peel over the drink to release its oils, float it on top, then top with a sprig of fresh thyme.

To help tell the story of Jose Cuervo’s “History in a Bottle” campaign, watch this great tongue-in-cheek take on the company’s impact on some of history’s most iconic moments from the last 219 years.

For example, did you know Jose Cuervo invented the Margarita (yet another timeless cocktail) and even inspired beach volleyball?  Are either of those claims true? Eh, who knows – sit back and have another sip.

Thanks to Jose Cuervo for sponsoring this post.