Inspire

Origin:

Like most bar professionals, I'm always on the lookout for more inspiration. To inspire myself and my friends and co-workers. The thing that gives me the most inspiration is traveling, near or far. Before moving to New Zealand, I was living in Rome, Italy where I got to try drinks using different oils and vinegars. With the right amount, vinegar can be the bridge that blends together the sweet, sour and savory flavours in your classic cocktails. I've added a small amount of classic, Italian balsamic to represent my time in Italy. When I'm creating a seasonal menu or making a new drink for a competition, I like to go on a small trip to somewhere new or take a walk through the Wellington wilderness which is teaming with fresh herbs and flora. Before moving to New Zealand, I was a curious and hopeful backpacker. I can't help but to feel that travelers make the most versatile bartenders. We are curious by nature, we always look for learning opportunities, we are open to new concepts and most of all we love to teach and inspire others. Here in New Zealand, our agriculture is highly dependant on backpackers for fruit and vegetable picking, as well as working in local pubs and clubs, and packing them full when the sun goes down. I've added 3 ingredients that pay tribute to those hardworking individuals; cucumber (for it's freshness), blueberries (for it's tannic and sour attributes) and manuka honey (as a floral sweetener - a variety of honey found in New Zealand which is made from bees that pollinate the Manuka flower). When I first moved to New Zealand, roughly 3 years ago, I'd go on hikes through the rugged coastline of the South Island to forage for fresh herbs and local fauna such as kawa-kawa, evergreen, dill and sage. My favourite, is what we will use in this margarita, sage. Now what do travelers and hospitality workers have in common? Well if I've learned anything from my time traveling to almost 30 countries it's that hospitality is an international language and at the hacienda we all speak it fluently. Patrón has taught a lot. Specifically, what true hospitality looks like, what true passion feels like and what true inspiration tastes like. I'd like to return the favour, so sit back and sip on what my interpretation of inspiration tastes like. Salút, and enjoy my Patrón Perfectionist Margarita of the Year entry, 'Inspire'.