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As you can imagine, it is fairly difficult to decline an invitation to a launch promising Mexican flavours, sensational food, lively music – and most importantly, an original, small-batch premium sipping (not slamming!) tequila from Jose Cuervo.

Intrigued by this idea of a sipping tequila, we excitedly attended the press launch of the new Jose Cuervo Tradicional at one of our favourite (and best) Mexican restaurants, Perron a little over a week ago.

The evening started off with fresh margaritas and an assortment of delicious starters; including the most incredible seven layer dip (The Fiesta) complimented with home-cooked tortilla chips; we seriously had to pace ourselves when we saw what lay ahead on the menu for the rest of the evening!

After starters, we were handed a beautiful board consisting of five different elements; syrup from the blue agave plant, a pinch of black pepper, a slice of pineapple, a pod of vanilla and lastly the Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado.

We were taken on a journey detailing the rich history (250 years) of tequila; from its early days as a drink for bandidos and rancheros (outlaws and farmers) it has steadily grown in popularity; with the refinement of premium, craft tequila quickly gaining appeal around the globe. South Africa – is not far behind the trend – we actually rank as the 4^th largest tequila market in the world (behind Mexico, the USA and Russia)!

Even more surprising is that in Mexico, tequila is sipped rather than slammed, shot or mixed in Margaritas. It is best drunk in a ‘caballito’ (a tapered long shot glass) with sangrita or cold beer as an accompaniment.

To begin our tasting process, we were guided through each element on the board allowing us to better pick up all these flavors in the tequila itself: the key is to actually breathe in through your mouth as opposed to your nose – you will be amazed at how many different scents you pick up, and how different it feels when you are sipping it instead of it burning your chest after you’ve just downed a shooter in the club – eek!

This whole process is supposed to be done with a touch of finesse – you will see from the pictures Ilaria didn’t get this quite right on the first take ;(

The Repasodo in the name of the tequila means rested, and when produced, it rests for no less than four months in white oak barrels – this really refines and mellows the drink, producing a combination of smoothness and great taste.

After our very informative sipping lesson, the evening was about relaxing and enjoying the great vibe and food of Perron – we had the pleasure of watching traditional Mexican dancers work their magic; Sam even had her chance to show the crowd her salsa moves 😉

This has to be one of the best launches we have attended: fantastic food (let’s not even get started on the churros), fabulous margaritas, awesome entertainment and an informative tequila tasting. We love the idea of introducing tequila to the dinner table in a less “let’s get crazy” kind of way. If you are wanting to give this premium label tequila a try, it is available at most liquor stores around the country for about R230 a bottle or at a proper Mexican establishment like Perron!

Thanks to our hosts, Edward Snell & Co, and the tequila master (Siavash Marshall Behaerin) for such a superb evening – we have a feeling that sipping tequila is going to become a the next big thing

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Give me a reason to dress up and to celebrate with friends and I’m in! Add some delicious food, refreshing drinks and latino music to this mix and you make 1x Ilaria a very happy girl.

The end of October is most famous for Halloween celebrations, and although it still is very much an American tradition, we are definitely seeing it gain momentum in SA. Equally famous in that sphere of the world is the Mexican holiday ‘Dia de los Muertos’ meaning Day of the Dead; a tradition which is supposed to honour the dead by way of festivals and lively celebrations and is usually celebrated over the first two days in November.

Assured that the dead would be insulted by mourning or sadness, Dia de los Muertos celebrates the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties, and activities the dead enjoyed in life.

A few thousand miles away from its origin, the increasingly famous and quirky Perron managed to conjure up the perfect formula this past Sunday so as to make all its gringo guests feel as if we were sitting in a traditional cantina, chanting to the sounds of a Mariachi band and celebrating all our loved ones that have passed.

Think beautiful bright flowers, latin music, sugar skulls, piñatas, a few too many tequila’s, friends and a ton of laughter!

It was such a stunning and different way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Jozi – the restaurant extended its tables all the way out onto the parking lot in front of it. Umbrellas and marquees were erected and vibrantly decorated, a face painter was available to paint intricate sugar skulls and a very talented Mexican singer provided huge entertainment.

There was a specific ‘day of the dead’ menu which included delicious spicy chicken quesadillas and hard to resist churros.

We even ended up winning a bucket filled with craft beer!

Although this celebration only happens once a year, it by no means implies that you have to wait until Novemebr 2016 to experience this awesome restaurant. The food is divine and the drinks are seriously some of the best Mexican inspired drinks I have ever tasted (even non-tequila drinkers will be blown away at the frozen margaritas!) It is a little on the pricey side, but it’s a complete experience and it’s definitely worth it. If you’re interested, you can get hold of them on 011 880 7296 or visit their website for more info.

Thank you to Perron and their staff that were so involved in making the day such a memorable one.