The Batanga is a simple and refreshing tequila cocktail created by the late Don Javier Delgado Corona of La Capilla in Tequila, Mexico.
The Batanga – Photo © Cocktails & Bars
The Batanga is a simple drink made with tequila, lime and cola. Somewhat reminiscent of a Cuba Libre except with tequila in lieu of rum, its distinctive feature is the salt rim and the way it is stirred, using a large knife.
Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner of La Capilla, a popular cantina in Tequila, Mexico invented the Batanga in 1961. The secret to the special flavour is the knife he used for stirring and for chopping ingredients for making salsa. Don Javier passed away in 2020 at the age of 95 but the popularity of his invention lives on.
The Batanga Recipe
Ingredients
- 60ml blanco tequila
- 20ml lime juice, freshly squeezed
- cola to top
Glassware: Collins glass
Garnish: flaky salt rim, lime wedge
Method
Prepare the salt rimmed glass by running the cut edge of a lime around the rim of the glass then dipping the glass in salt. Build the cocktail ingredients (blanco tequila, fresh lime juice) in the rimmed glass over ice cubes, add cola to top and stir with a large knife (optional).
