Redd – Yountville, CA

This could be possibly the best Margarita in Napa.

After getting some sparkling wine at Domaine Chandon, our group decided to get some lunch. Someone in the group was familiar with a little place called Redd just blocks from the winery. I really had no idea what to expect, but it turned out to be one of the more pleasant surprises of our trip.

Our group bellied up to the bar and we were treated to an exceptional experience courtesy of our bartender Rob. As expected, he could make some great drinks, but he was also very familiar with the menu of the restaurant and recommended some very interesting appetizers. All the food was excellent. Redd is a real gem in the heart of Napa valley and if you are in the area you should definitely visit.

Now on to the Margarita. Again, the skill of the bartender Rob really made the drink. Watching him make all the drinks, he did something I’ve never seen another bartender do. He actually tasted each of the drinks he was making, using a little straw to draw out some of the drink by putting his finger on the end of the straw. Now that’s some quality control! There’s no way he’s serving a bad drink. On top of that, he asked all the right questions when it came to the Margarita I ordered. So that being said, he took my request that it be made with fresh lime juice, and added Cazadores reposado tequila, Cointreau, “a kiss” of agave nectar, and a floater of Grand Marnier.

My lovely wife and bartender Rob @ Redd

It certainly is nice to get a hand-crafted Margarita from a skilled bartender and this Margarita did not disappoint. It was fresh and light, well-balanced and delicious. Due to the Margarita having both Grand Marnier and Cointreau, it had just a little bit of an extra orange flavor than most Margaritas. This wasn’t a detraction however. The 8.5 I rate this Margarita is well-deserved. In fact, I ordered another!