The Biltmore original Tequila SunriseLast week Triple P was staying at the splendid Arizona Biltmore hotel in Scottsdale. He was about to order his usual Vodka Martini when he noticed in the menu that the Biltmore had seen the creation of the original Tequila Sunrise.
As is ever with cocktails. the history seems a little vague but it was apparently created by a barman called Gene Sulit who started working at the hotel in the late thirties or early forties. A regular guest told the barman that we wanted a long drink to enjoy by the pool and that he loved Tequila and could Gene concoct something for him.
Gene's original recipe, as still served in the Biltmore, consists of: 100% Blue Agave Tequila, Crème de Cassis, Fresh Lime Juice and Soda; although in what proportions they didn't reveal.
Over the years it has evolved into the usual current incarnation which replaces the auxiliary ingedients with orange juice and Grenadine. The idea always being that the denser ingredients (cassis or Grenadine settle and create sunset like layers.
Althought Triple P remains doubtful about Tequila (it really is too vegetal for him)the non fruit juice version was more refreshing and less sickly than the more common version which is really a drink for girls in bikinis. And why not?
