Ocean Blue Margarita
Check back each week as we challenge a new St. Louis bartender extraordinaire to come up with a drink that fits our monthly Thirsty Thursday theme. They’re pulling out all the stops, armed with their most inventive tricks, fresh-squeezed juices, superior liquors and house-made infusions. Their creations are sure to keep your taste buds guessing. This month, in honor of our September Fall Fashion Issue, we are asking bartenders to create a drink for the fashion-forward patron.
The Bartender: Matthew Payne
The Bar: Coastal Bistro & Bar 14 North Central Ave. Clayton, MO 63105
The Challenge: Create for us your most trendy and fashionable cocktail.
The Drink:
Ocean Blue Margarita
house tequila
fresh lime juice
simple syrup
blue curacao
We knew as soon as Matthew Payne starting showing us the difference between real lime juice with simple syrup and Rose’s sweetened lime juice that we were in for a treat. Matthew has been bartending for over five years and his experience showed. He made for us an Ocean Blue Margarita, which is his take on your average margarita with a fashionable twist. He mixed house tequila, 100% fresh lime juice, simple syrup and blue curacao to make us a frothy, delicious margarita.
Matthew took the time to explain to us how many of the drinks he prepares use the pre-Prohibition bartending method, meaning they use only three ingredients: booze, acid and sweetness. Our first thought after taking a sip was that the 100% fresh lime juice was the first thing we tasted—it was strong, but not overpowering. The simple syrup added a bit of sweetness and the tequila was more of a subtle undertone than a kick in the face, which we loved. We both agreed we wouldn’t mind a few of these trendy margaritas any day of the week!
What’s your favorite drink?
I’m a vodka with Sprite person. I also make a lot of Bourbons and Manhattans.
What’s the weirdest request you’ve gotten?
Probably Grand Marnier and Coca Cola
Someone orders ________ and you automatically know they have no idea what they’re talking about.
Well, nobody wants the elitist bartender waiting on them…the kind that makes their own bitters at home, you know? I’ll make anything for anyone and educate them while I do it.
