BEBIDA DELICIOSA

The Mexicano’s Fresa Cremosa Agua Fresca is dessert in a glass

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ / PHOTO BY THE MAGGIORE GROUP

Everything at The Mexicano is larger than life.

“Both our food and drink menus are meant to be audacious celebrations of flavor with outrageous vessels, grand garnish and vibrant pops of color,” says Will Martinez, general manager of The Mexicano.

Among its biggest and boldest cocktails is Martinez’s recent collaboration with The Mexicano's executive chef Fidencio Alatriste on the Fresa Cremosa Agua Fresca ($23). The strawberry-infused offering starts with Don Julio Reposado Tequila.

“This varietal is quite agave forward with vegetal notes and just a slight touch of honey,” Martinez says. “Its potency stands up well and complements the sweeter, richer elements in the recipe.”

Those sweeter, richer elements include strawberries, sugar and three types of milk – evaporated, sweet condensed and whole.

Once blended, the milks are poured over freshly chopped strawberries, vanilla, Zuko strawberry powder, and water. Then, tequila is added.

“We liquify the strawberries with the other ingredients through a blending process and then add the sugar and continue to mix until frothy,” Martinez says. “They key is then chilling in the refrigerator to allow time for the flavors to meld.”

Once chilled, the mixture is poured into a custom barrel-shaped glass and topped with cinnamon, chopped strawberries and whipped cream.

“Just before going to the table, we add strawberry wafers, both to give the drink height and so folks may dunk them for an added treat,” says Martinez, noting the cocktail may also be made without tequila.

The drinkable dessert is bursting with vanilla ice cream and berry flavors, but the tequila adds a potent kick.

The Mexicano, 4801 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix; 602.812.2100; www.themexicano. com.