Method: Shaken
Glassware: Rocks glass
Ice: Cubed ice
Time: 3 min

Tommy's Margarita

IBA · New EraIBA classification pending verificationTequilaMexican cocktailsEasyEditorial draft

A Margarita without orange liqueur, where agave syrup echoes the tequila's own flavor. Simple, clean and a showcase for good 100% agave tequila.

Created by Julio Bermejo

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Ingredients

1 × servings

60 mlBlanco tequila
30 mlLime juice
15 mlAgave syrup
1 pieceLime wheel
to tasteFine sea salt(optional)

Volume before dilution: 105 ml

Step by step

1
Shake the tequila, lime and agave syrup with ice.
2
Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
3
Garnish with the lime wheel; offer salt on the side if wanted.

GarnishLime wheel (salt optional)

Flavor profile

Sweetness

Acidity

Bitterness

Body

Aroma

AgaveFresh limeGreen herbal

Story

Created by Julio Bermejo at Tommy's Mexican Restaurant, his family's place in San Francisco, in the early 1990s. The bar became a pilgrimage site for lovers of 100% agave tequila.

Technical notes

Agave nectar is sweeter than sugar; thin it 2:1 with water to measure accurately and mix cold. Served on the rocks the ice keeps diluting, so shake slightly shorter.

Serving

On the rocks, alongside Mexican food.

Origin

Attributed · early 1990s · San Francisco, USA

Widely attributed to Julio Bermejo of Tommy's Mexican Restaurant.

Variations

Tommy's con mezcal
Split the base between tequila and mezcal.

Substitutions

Reposado tequila for vanilla notes.

Pairings

Tacos al pastor
Chicken tinga tostadas

Techniques

Syrups, cordials & shrubs

Syrups and Cordials

Syrups are the backbone of balance: simple 1:1, rich 2:1, agave and piloncillo. Cordials add acid and flavor so one component brings both sweetness and sourness.

Beginner · 6 min read

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Version 1 · Updated October 20, 2026