The Best Tequila Cocktail You’re Not Drinking

The Best Tequila Cocktail You’re Not Drinking

The Batanga Cocktail as originally conceived by Don Javier at La Capilla Cinco De Mayo is right around the corner. And you can be certain that American drinkers are thirsting for endless amounts of margaritas. The semi-sweet arrangement is already the most popular tequila cocktail in the US regardless of the date. But every 5th day of May, it accounts for an estimated 47% of all mixed drink sales in bars and restaurants across the country. That's insane! It's also a phenomenon you won't ever observe in the eponymous birthplace of the spirit. Travel to the actual town of Tequila, in the Mexican state of Jalisco, and you'll hardly hear anyone even mentioning margaritas. Unless, of course, they're trying to attract the tourists. As for the locals, they prefer to cool down with a Batanga. And why wouldn't they? It's a drink as easy to prepare as it is refreshing—essentially a salt-rimmed Cuba Libre with tequila subbing in for rum. It's also a cocktail that eschews mysticism and mythology for a clear and concise origin story. The Batanga was born in La Capilla, just two blocks south of the central square. Its easy to miss with its modest facade, but