It’s simple: We took Justin Timberlake’s 901 Silver Tequila and made
cocktails inspired by its area-code name.
But first, a back-story. Late last month, we received a press
release announcing that 901 would soon be available in Memphis. And in
that release were drink recipes — among them “The Millington,” a
nod to Timberlake’s hometown. In turn, we came up with our own
Memphis-ized cocktails.
And about that tequila: It’s made in Jalisco, Mexico, and is being
distributed only in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, St. Louis, and,
of course, Memphis. You can pick up a bottle at Kimbrough Towers Fine
Wine and at Buster’s Liquors and Wines for just shy of $50.
In an April story in the New York Post, one “tequila geek”
declared, “[901] has a nice richness to it, a full-body mouth feel, a
nice finish.”
Justin Fox Burks
“Mayor’s Resignation”
In honor of Mayor Willie Herenton resigning once and then again.
This one is easy.
• 901 Silver Tequila
Two shots straight-up.
“Midtown Hipster”
Justin Fox Burks
Midtown is Memphis, right? We served this one in a circa-1970sMcDonaldland glass.
• Bottle of margarita mix
• 901 Silver Tequila
• Six-pack of Pabst Blue
Ribbon beer in the can
Make margaritas according
to instructions on the bottle — frozen or on the rocks. Wash
it down with the PBR.
Justin Fox Burks
“Mud Island
Iced Tea”
Based on a “Long Island Iced Tea” recipe from supercocktails.com. “Long Island Iced
Tea” has slain countless spring-breakers with its
one-two-three-four-five punch of tequila, gin, vodka, Triple Sec, and
rum. The name comes from the splash of Coca-Cola, which gives it its
tea-like color.
We mixed things up by forgoing the Coke and adding a healthy dose of
sweet tea that dilutes the effects of the alcohol and ensures
(hopefully) you won’t be looking for your pants at the break of
dawn.
• 1/2 oz. 901 Silver Tequila
• 1/2 oz. rum
• 1/2 oz. gin
• 1/2 oz. Triple Sec
• 1/2 oz. vodka
• 4 to 6 oz. sweet tea
• Lemon slices and mint
Put everything in a cocktail shaker. Fill a mason jar with ice and
lemon slices. Pour tequila/rum/Triple Sec/vodka/gin mixture in the jar.
Add iced tea to taste. Garnish with mint sprig.
Justin Fox Burks
“Griz Fizz”
Based on a “Paloma” recipe from about.com and perhaps the most delicious of the
bunch we tried. We substituted Orangina soda (available at Miss
Cordelia’s) and lemon juice for grapefruit soda and lime juice. We
wanted the round glass and color to mimic a basketball. (In truth, it’s
more yellow than orange.) The orange soda is also our nod to Grizzlies
player O.J. Mayo.
• 2 oz. 901 Silver Tequila
• 4 to 6 oz. of Orangina
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• Orange slices
Give the soda a good shake to make it fizz. Pour all ingredients
into a cocktail mixer. Pour over ice in round glasses. Garnish with
orange slices.
A special thanks to Flyer Food News writer Pamela Denney,
who helped with the drink ideas and provided the glasses.
Find drink recipes provided by 901 Silver Tequila at the Hungry
Memphis blog and enter your own Memphis-inspired 901 cocktails. The
reader with the most inventive cocktail recipe will receive a
prize.
