New flavored tequilas from Austin-based Playa Real
Flavored spirits are nothing new. The vodka market is saturated with all manner of infusions — some quite popular, some hoping to find niche acceptance (bubblegum or King Cake vodka, anyone?).
Though flavored whiskey started making a splash several years ago with honey and cinnamon products, flavored tequila is a more recent phenomenon. Patrón has developed a coffee flavor. Sauza has a cucumber chile version, and Avion Tequila has an espresso flavor.
Playa Real Premium Tequila, a new brand from the Austinbased Davis Spirits Co., is a recent addition to the flavored-tequila terrain with mandarin and pineapple options.
Founder and CEO Matt Davis said the inspiration came from fruit-infused tequila he enjoyed on frequent surf trips to Mexico. He began re-creating the infusions for family and friends, which led to the creation of a tequila brand that launched in late 2017 and this month picked up expanded national distribution.
For his mandarin and pineapple tequila ($34.99 each), Davis said he wanted a natural flavor that did not lower the alcohol content (80 proof ) or sacrifice the quality of the base tequila. They’re built on the Playa Real’s silver tequila, which is made from 100 percent blue agave and tripledistilled in Jalisco, Mexico.
And they’re cocktail friendly.
The Northshore
2 ounces Playa Real Pineapple
¾ ounce pineapple juice
½ ounce lime juice
½ ounce agave syrup
½ ounce Chareau (aloe liqueur)
Instructions: Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a Collins glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with pineapple leaves.
Pink Sands
2 ounces Playa Real Mandarin
1 ounce lemon juice
¾ ounce grenadine
Instructions: Combine in shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a Collins glass filled with crushed ice. Top with prosecco. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry and orange wedge.