Margarita Sunset

MAKE SUMMER LINGER longer with the perfect cocktail combo: citrus juice, tequila, cubes and a salted rim

By John Lehndorff

MORE THAN ANY OTHER COCKTAIL, the margarita has become Colorado’s signature summertime quencher.

Just because August is almost turning into autumn, there is no need to switch to pumpkin pie spiced hot toddies … yet. We Coloradans know that those hot days and warm evenings can last well into late September.

By definition, margaritas are fairly simple: tequila— anejo, reposado or blanco—plus citrus juice and a salted rim. In reality, a chill world of margarita variations fill eatery and bar menus from Greenwood Village and Cherry Hills to Centennial and Castle Rock. However, some local establishments are taking margaritas to a whole new level.

200 Tequilas Behind The Bar

A devotion to agave-based liquors is built into the name at Palenque Cocina Y Agaveria in downtown Littleton. The cozy eatery stocks more than 200 varieties of tequila and mezcal, many from small artisan regional distillers across Mexico.

The Palenque house margarita is just Arette tequila, orange simple syrup and lime juice, but the eatery’s build-your-own option allows margarita fans to choose a tequila from blanco to reposado, a rimming flavor (salt, sugar or spiced), and added pure flavors like strawberry, prickly pear and blood orange.

Palenque Cocina Y Agaveria

2609 Main St. Littleton

720.928.3318 palenquecya.com