Tequila Ambassador (Yes, That's Really a Job Title) Eddie Perales Spreads the Gospel at the W Hotel + Cocktail Recipes

If a wine connoisseur is really just a socially-accepted drinker, then Eddie Perales, tequila ambassador for Tres Generaciones, is a nationally-recognized enabler. He began as a bartender, working nights while attending nursing school, before his work behind the bar became the larger priority. But unlike some students, Eddie's story does not end with too many lost weekends and a revoked academic scholarship. In fact, his passion has translated into a life in which he travels the country, teaching the rest of us about tequila-based cocktails.

N. Galuten

Eddie Perales torches his drink.

Last night at the W Hotel in Westwood, he showed off some of his current favorites, including a powerfully spicy cocktail that began with a sautée of shallots, strawberries, nectarines and chipotle. Here, we offer two of his somewhat less complicated recipes.

The Obama-Rita
(Also called Tres Margarita, from Macayo's Restaurant in Arizona)
Note: From Eddie Perales.
Makes: 1 cocktail

3 parts fresh lemon sour
1/2 part triple sec
1 1/2 fresh squeezed lime
1 part brandy
1 1/2 parts Tres Generaciones Triple Distilled Plata Tequila

1. Combine the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.

2. Shake all contents and strain into salt-rimmed margarita glass filled with ice, garnishing if desired with a slice of lime.

LA Love
Note: From Eddie Perales.
Makes: 1 cocktail

1 1/2 oz Tres Generacions Añejo
2 oz fresh lemon sour
Juice from 1/2 lime
1 tsp fig jam
1/2 tsp orange marmalade
4 large basil leaves
4 large wedges of peeled granny smith apple
1/2 vanilla bean

1. Muddle the fig jam, orange marmalade, basil, apple wedges and seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean.

2. Add Tres Generaciones Añejo, lemon sour, and lime juice. Shake and strain into a cocktail (preferably a martini) glass. Garnish if desired with a dusting of fresh ground nutmeg over a basil leaf.