Eleven years ago, wedding photographer Victoria Pisarello was a regular patron at Felipe’s Uptown. Now she’s their lead bartender. Victoria had never bartended, but the manager reassured her. “She said ‘If you can handle a bride, you can bartend,’” Victoria said. “It’s much more fun. The community I serve here is what keeps me happy and employed.” Bartending has taught her how to deal with people, “whether they’re hungry, they’re sad or they’re celebrating.” Now her regulars are like family. She photographed one guest’s baby shower. “That child is now 11, and almost as tall as me.” she said. Victoria notes, “I denied kids fake IDs, then they graduated, and I served them. They got their masters; I served them. They got their PhDs; I served them. Now they’re starting a family and I’m still serving them. Eleven years is a long time to work somewhere, but I love it. It’s been awesome.”

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Felipe’s Margarita

Recipe by Victoria Pisarello

5.0 from 1 vote

Ingredients

Margarita
2 oz blanco Monte Alban tequila
1/2 oz key lime juice (about 1 key lime)
1/2 oz homemade simple syrup (recipe below)
1/2 oz triple sec
Simple Syrup
Sugar
Water

Directions

Add all ingredients to a shaker tin filled with ice and shake for 10-12 seconds. Pour the entire contents (including ice) into a rocks glass. Garnish with lime wheel.
For simple syrup: Mix equal parts sugar and water in a microwavable container and heat until all sugar is dissolved. Alternatively, heat on the stove. Syrup keeps 4-6 weeks in the refrigerator.

Notes

Victoria insists you use fresh key lime juice. Key limes are available at many Latino grocery stores. Try a side-by-side comparison with regular lime juice to taste the difference.
To create a salt or Tajin rim, rub the outside of the glass with the lime half before you squeeze it. Roll the outside of the glass on a plate of salt or Tajin. Use a straw to knock out any salt inside the glass to make it look tidier.
Some margarita recipes use aged reposado tequilas for a “higher end” drink, but Victoria says if you want the bright, citrusy flavor of a traditional margarita, stick with 100% agave blanco tequila.

Listen to Elizabeth’s podcast “Drink & Learn;” visit elizabeth-pearce.com

Felipe’s Margarita Recipe

Felipe’s Margarita

Ingredients

Directions

Notes

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