Someone’s getting creative with the traditional Margarita

The newest innovation of the classic Margarita. (Cantina Laredo)

In late 1980s, I took a job bartending to help pay for my college education at the University of Arizona.  If you’re going to bartend in Arizona, you need to know off the bat, that making the perfect margarita is as imperative as knowing how to pour a proper tequila shot.

I would spend many a night experimenting with new variations on the margarita. One crowd favorite was called the Blue Agave, which included the addition of Blue Curacao among others things.

Experimenting with classics can be risky, but fun too.  So when I heard of a new recipe created right here in St. Louis, I thought I should make sure everyone knew about it.

CL Avocado Rita SingleThe new Avocado Margarita is debuting in St. Louis at the Cantina Laredo bar in downtown Clayton

“The avocado margarita has its roots in Mexico,” said Josh Santiago, general manager of Cantina Laredo. “The addition of the fruit to the drink strikes many people as a bit odd. But once you try one, you’ll see what all the fuss is about. It’s time to put this drink on the map in St. Louis.”

This margarita is made with 1800 Añejo Tequila, Midori Melon Liqueur and lime juice with avocado. The result is a margarita that is a surprisingly light, refreshing and unique blend of fruit flavors.

Cantina Laredo, located at 7710 Forsyth in downtown Clayton, is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday brunch, served from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. includes a complimentary Bloody Mary or Mimosa for guests.