Perfect Patron Rita, Cantina Laredo – Clayton, MO

I had previously visited Cantina Laredo in Clayton, MO and tried their Casa Rita Margarita. Unfortunately, the drink that day was not all that great. However, the restaurant was very nice and the food was good. On this day I found myself back in the vicinity so I figured it would be a good time to try another Margarita from Cantina Laredo.

I noticed a Margarita on their menu they called the Perfect Patron Rita. It was made with Patron Silver tequila and Patron Citronge liqueur. I often use Patron Citronge orange liqueur in my own Margaritas. While I can not find any definitive information on what base the Citronge liqueur is made from, given that it is made by Patron, along with the aroma from the bottle, it is highly likely that Patron makes Citronge from an agave base, which is the same thing tequila is made from. Whether it is made from agave/tequila or not, the bottom line is that when I use an orange liqueur in my Margaritas, Patron Citronge blends extremely well and does not have a bitter aftertaste “wang” like many of the French orange liqueurs do. I highly recommend that if you are going to use an orange liqueur in your Margaritas, you give Patron Citronge a try.

Anyway, because of the listed ingredients, plus I know that Cantina Laredo fresh squeezes their limes right at the bar, I was very excited to try their Perfect Patron Rita. Unfortunately, the drink that day was super tart. It had very little sweetness or tequila flavor. Since it was not well balanced, it was hard to enjoy. That’s too bad because that is twice the Margaritas here have been less than stellar. While I can only give the Margarita that day a 6, I’m sure I will be back again one day since the overall restaurant and food is very good at Cantina Laredo. Perhaps the third time will be the charm?