A Look Inside the Controversial Broccoli Margarita Taking the Internet by Storm

(Photo: tenderstem/Instagram)

Over the years, creative mixologists have taken it upon themselves to craft bizarre concoctions like the avocado margarita, parmesan espresso martini and beet salad cocktail (heavy on cranberries and yogurt, in case you were wondering).

With his latest invention — the aptly named “Broctail” — television host and bar owner Jack Sotti promises to take the concept to controversial, crunchy new heights.

Rest assured, we’re not letting just anyone toss vegetables into a blender and calling it a day. Sotti, a regular guest on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, was named in Bartender Magazine’s 100 Most Influential List for three years in a row and regularly rakes in accolades for his bars Boilermaker House, Eau de Via and Sweeties.

On to the entrée:

First off, it should be noted that the Broctail doesn’t actually include broccoli, at least not in the conventional sense. The cocktail’s central ingredient is tenderstem, a cross between Chinese kale and broccoli introduced in Japan in the early 1990s. The vegetable bears a lanky appearance similar to broccoli rabe with a bright flavor comparable to asparagus.

From there, the Broctail blends in tried-and-true margarita ingredients like blanco tequila, lime juice and simple syrup topped off with a savory splash of olive oil and flaky salt. The end result vaguely resembles a matcha latte mixed with a helping of green goddess dip.

 

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“Christmas cocktails can get a bit ‘samey’ with choices limited to cinnamon, mulled wine and eggnog. It was time for something fresh to shake things up this Christmas, and what better than this tender twist on a familiar favourite,” remarked Sotti in an Instagram post.

The Broctail

Ingredients

• 50ml Blanco Tequila
• 25ml Fresh Lime Juice
• 20ml 1:1 Sugar Syrup
• 5ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 4 florets of blanched Tenderstem Broccoli
• 1 pinch of Flaky Salt

Directions

1. Bring a pot to boil and blanch broccoli for no more than 1 minute. Quickly remove and crash cool in an ice bath to prevent any further cooking. Pat dry and store in a sealed container with a dry kitchen towel.
2. Into a shaker add florets of broccoli, add your lime juice, sugar syrup, blanco tequila, olive oil and salt. Use a stick blender or blender to break down the broccoli. If you don’t have one, use a muddler or rolling pin to crush the life out of it.
3. Add lots of ice to a shaker and shake hard for 30 seconds until your hands go numb.
4. Fine strain into a rocks glass with lots of ice and garnish with a blanched floret and a pinch of flaky salt.

Read More: 

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