The social drinker

Last week’s column was a celebration of tequila; a drink that can offer a beguiling alternative to whiskey as an evening tipple. I urged readers to forget student parties and pick their tequila carefully by going for something that has been aged carefully.

This week’s column, on the other hand, is for those unreconstructed tequila drinkers who just want a good time. Tequilas form the basis of several great cocktails such as the margarita, and more risque classics such as the tequila sunrise and Long Island iced tea.

The margarita comes in many variations and is difficult to make correctly, while the other two are pretty easy to make at home, although it sort of defeats the purpose, unless you are throwing a party.

The whole point of a tequila sunrise, pictured below, is to be flirting at a bar and talking nonsense for the evening.

Still, the day may come when you want to sit at home, flirt and talk nonsense, while pretending to yourself that you are on tour with the Eagles or Rolling Stones.

To achieve the effect, you will need a tall glass with ice, 50ml (1¾fl oz) of white tequila and around 90ml (3fl oz) of fresh orange juice. The orange juice should be carefully poured into the tequila. Then add 10ml (less than ½fl oz) of grenadine and allow it to sink to the bottom of the glass to give the famous sunrise effect. Garnish with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry. For a completely retro vibe, turn on a classic-hits radio station and follow up with a Long Island iced tea. Despite the name, this does not contain any tea whatsoever, but you will need tequila, vodka, light rum, triple sec or Cointreau, gin, and a splash of cola, along with some ice.

Tequila can be a great drink, but part of its greatness lies in the fact that it can also

be fun.