Tequila is tickling Australia's fancy

Times are tough for cocktail drinkers right now.

You can pay between $18-25 for a standard cocktail when you head out on the town, and considerably more for a premium mixed drink.

It is alarmingly easy to pay more for one cocktail than for your main course when dining out. A gin martini at Sydney's Quay restaurant, for instance, will cost you $32. 

That's why some drinkers are opting to pre-fuel before heading out clubbing or dining; making a couple of nifty cocktails at home before heading out of the front door.

And more Australians than ever before are opting for a tequila cocktail, rather than a G+T or a JD on the rocks. Or so I am reliably informed.

Tequila is the fastest growing spirit segment in Australia, with Patrón leading the way as the world’s best-selling ultra-premium tequila, Drinks Trade says.

Australia is the world’s third-biggest tequila consumer per capita, behind the United States and Mexico, from where the drink originates.

Patrón's Australian reps report that the brand is seeing increased demand from consumers for its aged Añejo and Reposado tequilas. “We are starting to see a rise in more educated consumers who possess a deeper understanding of the diversity and depth of flavour of tequila," says Joey Chisholm, the Patrón execution manager (which sounds like a pretty dangerous job).

"At Patrón, we are noticing Australians are using their new-found tequila knowledge to become more refined drinkers, trading up in cocktails like the iconic Margarita, which continues to be a hit. People are now swapping the traditional silver base for a super-premium.

Patrón Tequila contains 100% Weber Blue Agave and zero additives and the range includes the classic Patrón Silver, Patrón Reposado and Patrón Añejo.

“Australians are wanting to know how their tequila is crafted, what is in it and how to drink it. We have seen a trend with consumers trading up and finding enjoyment in the rich flavours and aromas of aged tequilas," Chisholm says.

Here's a recipe for a simple Tommy's margarita that can be made at home:

Ingredients: 60ml Patrón Reposado, 30ml lime juice, 15ml agave nectar, to taste, Kosher salt for rim, lLime wheel or wedge for garnish

Method: Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously with ice to chill. Strain onto fresh ice in a salt-rimmed rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge.

# Patrón is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, and be found in Dan Murphy's and BWS stores.