Tequila Bar has a modern yet authentic atmosphere celebrating the festive food, drinks, colours and handmade décor of Mexico. Along with good music and a fiesta-loving team, you will feel like you’re at Frida’s home in the centre of Coyoacan, Mexico City. Signature drink: Casa Azul – a signature margarita named after Frida Khalo’s home (now a museum) in Coyoacan, Mexico City meaning ‘Blue House’. Must-try Tequila: Herradura Ultra Anejo. www.frida.co.nz WELLINGTON: LOS BANDITOS Los Banditos is a traditional Mexican Cantina and Tequila bar, but with a twist. Rather than adhere to strict traditional rules, they adapt contemporary global flavours into their food and drinks, keeping the Mexican spirit of the menu alive, while pushing the boundaries. Dedicated to
Los Banditos
having fun, not taking themselves too seriously and keeping standards high, the team at Los Banditos loves having a laugh with everyone that comes through the doors. Signature drink: Margaritas! But Los Banditos’ unique selection of original and revamped cocktails that utilise Tequila and mezcal mean there is always something for everyone! Must-try Tequilas: Fortaleza Anjeo for sipping, Tequila Ocho reposado for shots and Altos Plata for margaritas. www.losbanditos.co.nz AUCKLAND: LA FUENTE A small but perfectly formed mezcal bar serving up delicious Mexican-inspired food and good times, Auckland’s La Fuente aims to make all his customers feel comfortable ordering mezcal. The first of its kind in New Zealand and owned by Mexican-born sommelier Edmundo Farrera, La Fuentes offers more than 20 different Mezcales, all served in specialised vintage cognac glassware, plus a permanent mezcal experience matched with Mexican tapas. Signature drink: Mezcalita – fresh organic lime juice, sal de gusano (worm salt) and lemonade. Must-try mezcal: Meteoro. www.lafuente.co.nz ■
WHAT MAKES A GREAT TEQUILA/MEZCAL BAR? “Having staff that knows Tequila inside and out, from the way it’s been made to how to best enjoy it goes a long way in introducing people to a side of the spirit beyond the salt and lime shots.” Los Banditos
“Selection. We have a variety of blanco, reposado, anejo and extra anejo Tequilas, ranging from house pours to premium quality Tequilas as well as mezcals, so you are sure to find what you’re after. A great Tequila bar also needs fiesta music and sombreros!” Frida
“The margarita will always be the go-to cocktail at a Tequila bar and whilst we love a good margarita, we think a great Tequila bar should take people out of their comfort zone and introduce them to some new favourites.” Ghost Donkey
“Our ethos is not to feature any Mezcal that has industrial methods or shortcuts in their production, everything we offer is also what we drink ourselves, life is too short!” Le Fuente
La Fuente
THE SHOUT NZ – SEPTEMBER 2021 23