Mango Madness || Hot Tamale Darwin

MANGO MADNESS

Mango Madness has started at Hot Tamale! Mango is used widely throughout Mexico, it grows in tropical humid climates. Who doesn’t love a great mango?

Every year we enjoy having a play with mango while they are around. This year we created a whole menu based around them! We have created some fun new cocktails for you to enjoy with some local mango! These will be available until we cannot get mango anymore! So get in quick to try!

Mango Sangria

$10/$35
mango. strawberry gum. sparkling wine.
spritzy, light and delicious! This sangria is great at any time of the day if you are looking for some light easy drinking.

Chillis & Mangos

$17
unaged tequila. jalapeno. mango. lime
CHIILLI HEADS GATHER! Who doesn’t love a great spicy margarita!? Match it with mango and BAM, the perfect match.

Smokin’ Mango

$19
mezcal. mango ferment. orange bitters.
smoky & straight forward. This guy has no apologies and gives a huge flavour.

Frothy Mango

$19
unaged tequila. lime. mango. thyme. whites. cream. soda.
Creamy, sweet, savoury, citrusy, fruity and absolutely delicious! Want to excite all your taste buds at once? Order this guy.

Snowy Mango

$16
mango. hibiscus. frozen. unaged tequila. lime.
Frozen (YAASS!) Mango (YAAAS!) Do we need to say more?

Mango Agua Fresca

$6
add tequila +$6
mango. soda. mint.
Innocent, non alcoholic little number. Mango Street Style Soft Drink.

Chaya || Tequila of the Week

What is tequila of the week?

EACH WEEK AT HOT TAMALE WE SPOTLIGHT A DIFFERENT TEQUILA FOR EVERYONE TO ENJOY, THIS WEEK WE HAVE CHOSEN TO SHOWCASE CHAYA TEQUILA.

Chaya Tequila

Chaya tequila was created by the former president of the popular Mexican liqueur; Kahlua. He created a tequila that was specifically chosen to be marketed to the US and was successful when it was the first tequila to be given as a gift in the MTV Movie Awards in 2006.

REPOSADO + ANEJO FOR $15

Want to read more about the agave spirits we have on offer? Hot Tamale’s Agave Bible lists through all our agave spirits with a great snippet of information or head to our Agave Spirits Forum to read through our previous ‘Tequila of the Week’ promotions.

National Finalist for Starward Whisky Constellations Cocktail Competition || Hot Tamale Darwin

Congratulations to our own Anneliese Grazioli for winning the northern territory state final for the Australian Whisky Starward Constellations Cocktail Competition. She will be heading to the national final in July to represent the Northern Territory at the distillery in port melbourne.

To enter this competition you needed to create a cocktail that was inspired by ‘home’. The Northern Territory had six bartenders in the State Final and Anneliese took the top spot with her cocktail ‘The Market Moment’. Our bartender Mathew Zarimis was just behind her in second place with his cocktail ‘Thribi Life’.

anneliese pouring cocktail

The Market Moment by Anneliese Grazioli

Anneliese’s cocktail was inspired by a laksa enjoyed at Mindil Beach Markets, with Darwin being her home.

Photo of The Market Moment by Anneliese Grazioli

starward solera. coconut & tumeric liqueur. coriander tincture. chilli peanut oil.

Thribi Life by Mathew Zarimis

Inspired by Matt’s Green Family in Sydney & how his Grandmother treats him to a delicious meal.

starward solera. thribi syrup. fermented mandarin fizz.

Stay tuned to see how she goes in Melbourne! Wish her luck on Facebook or Instagram.

#themarketmoment #starwardccc2018

Sangria || History & Present || Hot Tamale Darwin

Sangria is one of today’s most popular drinks at hot tamale and all over the world, though where did it start? What was it made from and why is it still so popular today.

What Is It?

Sangria is a punch style of cocktail, when you consider a punch it is refreshing, fruity, and can be low ABV with a base of liqueur, aperitif or wine. Sangria is traditionally considered to be a Spanish style of red wine infused with fresh fruit, though these days you will find multiple styles of wine with different fruits and some sort of juice or spritzer.

Hot Tamale’s Past Sangrias

Sangria at Hot Tamale

Passionfruit Spritz // sweet spritzy & delicious
Sparkling Wine. Fresh Passionfruit. Lemon.

Mint & Berries // dry & refreshing
Sauvignon Blanco. Raspberries & Blueberries. Soda. Mint.

Strawberry Rose // sweet & simple
Rose. Strawberries. Lime.

Cider Sangria // light & crisp
Apple Cider. Elderflower Liqueur. Cucumber. Lime. Soda

drinks at Hot Tamale Darwin

The Red One // the one that will never leave – the most popular
Fruity Red Wine. Orange Aperitif. Orange. Lime.

the red one sangria at hot tamale darwin

Sangria History

The Early Greeks & the Romans both consumed spiced wine, sometimes heated to be the also popular mulled wine (definitely not popular in Darwin, NT – though you will find it through Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, etc during the winter months). They consumed it more due to water sources were bacteria filled and adding alcohol made it safer to consume.

Sangria and Wine were popular and expanding in Spain until the 700’s when Spain was invaded and production stopped. Moor’s rule started again in the late 1400’s – Sangria and Wine were back!

Sangria translates to ‘Blood’ in Spanish and this is due to the grapes used in the wine were grown on a battlefield.

Traditionally Sangria is Spanish wine infused with fruit, there was never a set recipe which gave people more of a chance for it to gain popularity.

Spanish invaded countries like the Philippines, Mexico & most of South America all have Sangria influenced drinks as it was easy to make and delicious. Countries like England & France were creating their own versions from the 1700’s. In 1964 the Spanish had a themed stall at the World Fair in New York City, USA. The introduction to North America really brought on it’s popularity.

Sangria Today

Sangria has kept it’s popularity due to the vast variety of styles you can try, the simplicity of making a great sangria and the creativity to do some really cool stuff!

Do you have a favourite recipe?

WANT A SANGRIA NOW? BOOK A TABLE

Tequila of the Week || Fortaleza

Each week at Hot Tamale we spotlight a different tequila for everyone to enjoy, this week we have chosen to showcase Fortaleza.

Fortaleza tequila started in 2005, on the back of 125 years of tradition. Fortaleza tequila is created by Guillermo Sauza who has been passionate about tequila his entire life. Guillermo’s Great-Great- Grandfather starting a distillery in the town of Tequila in 1873 called La Perseverancia. Creating a family tequila for three generations before selling in 1973.

Guillermo was always passionate about tequila, which inspired him to reopen one of his families distilleries La Fortaleza, a beautiful small distillery overlooking the town of Tequila.

TEQUILA Fortaleza Blanco

Production Details

NOM: 1493

Agave Source: Tequila Valley

Cooking Method: Stone/brick oven

Crushing Method: 100% stone crushed

Distillation: Double Distilled

Pot Style: Copper pots

Proof: 80 (40% abv)

Fermentation: Open-air wood tanks

Sugars: 100% agave

Water Source: Natural Spring (Tequila Valley)

Bottles: Hand-blown in Mexico

People say…

“This is probably the best blanco on the planet. Love it. Huge bursts of olive and butter. Yum.”

– Grover Sanschagrin / Founder, Tequila Matchmaker

Tasting Notes

Aromas of citrus, and rich cooked agave fill your nose in this unique and very special blanco tequila. Also present: butter, olive, earth, black pepper, and a deep inviting vegetal complexity.

Flavors include citrus, cooked agave, vanilla, basil, olive, and lime. The finish is long and deep, complex yet easy to drink.

Fortaleza Blanco is a true aficionado’s tequila.

Tequila Fortaleza Still Strength

Production Details

NOM: 1493

Agave Source: Tequila Valley

Cooking Method: Stone/brick oven

Crushing Method: 100% stone crushed

Distillation: Double Distilled

Pot Style: Copper pots

Proof: 92 (46% abv)

Fermentation: Open-air wood tanks

Sugars: 100% agave

Water Source: Natural Spring (Tequila Valley)

Bottles: Hand-blown in Mexico

People say…

“Almost like you’re getting Fortaleza Blanco direct from the still… actually, you are. This is a great blanco in its purest form.”

– Grover Sanschagrin / Founder, Tequila Matchmaker

Tasting Notes

Aromas of fruit, baked fully-ripened agave, green olive, and earth are invitingly present. Slightly brighter and a touch more rustic than the regular blanco, the accents of butter, olive, earth, black pepper, and vegetal qualities in the flavor are enhanced because it comes straight from our small copper pot still, without adding water prior to bottling.

For years, the only way to sample this was to visit our distillery in Tequila, Jalisco. Until now.

Tequila Fortaleza Reposado

Production Details

NOM: 1493

Agave Source: Tequila Valley

Cooking Method: Stone/brick oven

Crushing Method: 100% stone crushed

Distillation: Double Distilled

Pot Style: Copper pots

Proof: 80 (40% abv)

Fermentation: Open-air wood tanks

Sugars: 100% agave

Water Source: Natural Spring (Tequila Valley)

Bottles: Hand-blown in Mexico

Aging: Each lot individually aged in American Oak. Aging statement on bottle.

People say…

“Without question, one of the best tequilas ever made. When we run out of this at home we immediately replace it.”

– Grover Sanschagrin / Founder, Tequila Matchmaker

Tasting Notes

Aromas of citrus, caramel, butter, cooked agave, and sage are the beginning of a pleasingly balanced and very unique tasting experience. Fortaleza Reposado has it’s own distinct character, and is not like any other tequila.

Flavors include cooked agave, citrus, vanilla, apple, earth, and cinnamon. The finish is long and rich, delicately spicy, and it has an oily texture that make this a joy to drink.

You simply cannot go wrong with Fortaleza Reposado. It’s popular with beginners and experienced tequila drinkers alike.

Tequila Fortaleza Anejo

Production Details

NOM: 1493

Agave Source: Tequila Valley

Cooking Method: Stone/brick oven

Crushing Method: 100% stone crushed

Distillation: Double Distilled

Pot Style: Copper pots

Proof: 80 (40% abv)

Fermentation: Open-air wood tanks

Sugars: 100% agave

Water Source: Natural Spring (Tequila Valley)

Bottles: Hand-blown in Mexico

Aging: 18 months in American Oak

People say…

“Rich and complex. As good as tequila gets.”

– Tracie Cone / Tequila Aficionado

“Citrus deliciousness! Baked agave, vanilla, slightly spicy. This is a delightful long-term sipper. This is a unique tequila experience.”

– Grover Sanschagrin / Founder: Tequila Matchmaker

Tasting Notes

Caramel, vanilla, butterscotch and cooked agave aromas practically jump from the glass in this highly-praised and perfectly-aged añejo. This tequila is so rich and complex that some people are even able to detect pineapple, peach, orange blossom, nutmeg, and raisin in the nose.

Once in your mouth, the full cooked agave experience continues with a thick and oily texture that coats your mouth in a very soothing way. Butterscotch, caramel, toffee, citrus, and hazelnuts are common flavors that people identify.

Fortaleza Añejo is a prized treat for any tequila lover.

AHA NT Awards for Excellence 2018 || Hot Tamale Finalist

It is now time for the Australian Hotels Association NT Awards for Excellence again! Last year we took out the award for Best Training Initiative & Anneliese Grazioli was awarded Bartender of the Year.

The 2018 AHA NT Awards for Excellence will see multiple of our staff as finalist and we are wishing them the best.

Hot Tamale’s Team Awards

Best Chef/Cook Award

Martin Bouchier, Executive Chef

Chef Martin has been working at Hot Tamale for the past year as our Executive Chef. Martin has worked all around the world and with his varied experience including a stint in Spain he has brought experience & passion into our kitchen. Martin has a strong passion for all his food but also in the training of staff, he enjoys teaching our apprentices new skills and loves to see his team thrive.

Excellence in Service (Front of House)

Rebecca Steel, Waiter Supervisor

Originally from Scotland, Becca moved to Australia to continue to grow her career in hospitality and has fallen in love with the Australian Hospitality Scene. She has been part of our front of house team since September 2016. Becca enjoys giving every guest an individually catered experience and loves to see them leave the venue happy. Her personality is definitely contagious and we have seen her train our trainee waitstaff to become solid members of our team with the same ideals.

Apprentice of the Year

Anthony Porrovecchio, Apprentice Chef

Anthony is from Darwin and grew up here, he was always very passionate about food and made the decision to become an apprentice chef a few years ago. He started at Hot Tamale two years ago as a first year apprentice and has enjoying it ever since. He choose to apply at Hot Tamale due to his love of Mexican food and was excited to make dishes, sauces, etc from scratch.

Bartender of the Year

To win Bartender of the Year, the bartenders go through rounds of the competition to claim the top spot. Today (Monday the 28th of May) they will sit for a blind tasting of whisk(e)ys and a written exam on all things bartending; cocktails, spirits, beer, wine & service.

The top four scoring from these will be chosen to create an original cocktail and present it at the AHA NT Trade Show in front of the whole Darwin Hospitality Industry and three judges. The highest scoring will be announced AHA NT Bartender of the Year at the awards night on Wednesday the 30th held on the lawns of Skycity Casino.

We have two of our bar team as finalist who will be competing against the rest of Darwin’s best in this competition.

Matthew Zarimis, Bartender

Matty has been part of our team since day one, he is a Darwin local and loves the bartending scene up here. For the past 5 and a half years we have watched him grow and become passionate about customer service, cocktails and definitely tequila. Matty loves to talk about all things agave, so if you catch him behind the bar get ready for a lesson in why we all love tequila!

Alexander Johnston, Bar Supervisor

Alex has worked at Hot Tamale for just over two years, originally from London but has found his home in Australia. He has a strong passion for bartending and has a knack for winning all the local bartending competitions. He loves his tequila but enjoys the art of mixing cocktails.

We are wishing the best of luck to all our team! Comment on the post to give them support.

Mother’s Day at Hot Tamale

Let’s spoil the mother figures in our lives this Mother’s Day at Hot Tamale.

Make a reservation this Sunday the 13th of May and the mother* in your life will receive our Mother’s Day cocktail complimentary with purchase of a meal.

El Dia de la Madre – Mexican Mother’s Day, is similar to the Australian Mother’s Day as they gift their mothers with cards, flowers, candy & other gifts.

To book follow this link

*must be 18+

Cinco de Mayo | Hot Tamale 2018

Tonight is the night! We will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo tonight with Corona & Milagro Tequila specials.

What is Cinco de Mayo?

During the Civil War in the USA there was a shortage of cotton supply to Europe. The French came across to collect the debt from Mexico and they invaded & occupied Puebla in Mexico. The Mexican out numbered them and took back the city on the 5th of May! So we celebrate it with the best of Mexican culture in their beautifully created spirit Tequila!

To Celebrate, Hot Tamale will have from 6pm tonight ~

Loco Pinas $10 // milagro blanco. coconut cream fatwash. fresh pineapple juice.

Mandarin Milagro $10 // milagro blanco. mandarin sherbet. tonic.

Corona Buckets $20 // corona extra. corona ligera.