I love Catrinas South Tampa for their Truly Authentic Mexican Food where EVERYTHING, including the moles, tamales, poblanos and salsas are housemade using only the finest, freshest ingredients. But, did you know Catrinas also has a Tequila Bar with over 350 tequilas as well as a full liquor bar with a huge selection of distinctive margaritas, specialty cocktails, sangrias, mojitos, micheladas, mimosas, beer and wine? Let the fiesta begin!
Order up some of the best Guacamole in Tampa and sip on a “Corazon Sangrante” Margarita. You won't find any mixes or artifical ingredients here as all of the margaritas at Catrinas are made from fresh juices and local ingredients. Also called the "bleeding heart", the Corazon Sangrante is made with fresh Sour Sop Juice, Orange Liqueur, Fresh Lime Juice, Hibiscus and Fresh Pomegranate Seeds. It's almost too beautiful to drink. Almost. Just don't leave those fresh pomegranate seeds behind!
Another popular margarita is the Tamarita. Made with Fresh Tamarind Juice, Orange Liqueur and Lime Juice, Catrinas recommends drinking this margarita frozen, perfect for the Florida summer heat. The tangy tamarind juice and the tartness from the lime is balanced perfectly with Orange Liqueur. Delicious.
If you like a little heat, the La Ardida Margarita is for you. Made with fresh Coconut Water, Fresh Lime Juice, Melon Liqueur and a dried Chile de Arbol. Eat a bit of the dried chile to get the maximum flavor, and heat, from this zesty drink.
Ah, the Guacamole arrives!
Catrinas Guacamole is no ordinary stuff, it's the Guacamole of legends. Served in a large molcajete, the traditional Mexican hand carved lava stone bowl, with homemade chips, it's all about what's on top: grilled jumbo shrimp, succulent lobster meat, queso fresco and fresh pomegranate seeds! Underneath you'll find thick, chunky guacamole filled with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro and spices. It's almost a meal in itself!
After the Guacamole, it was time to explore some of Catrinas Specialty Cocktails. First up was the Jarrito Loco. Made with traditional Mexican grapefruit soda, fresh lime and orange and served in a "Crazy Little Jar" this drink is tangy and ultra refreshing.
If you have a hangover, you'll definitely want to try the Michelada. A michelada is a Mexican beer cocktail made with beer, lime juice and assorted sauces, spices and peppers. Many restaurants use V-8 or Clamato juice as a mixer but Catrinas uses their own housemade mixer and wowza! It's the best I've ever tasted! One of these and you'll be saying adios to that hangover.
Catrinas also makes their own version of a Mojito. Their Aztec Mojito is made with mezcal instead of rum and uses "epazote" an Aztec herb instead of mint. Mezcal is similar to tequila but made with a different variety of agave and a different production process which leads to a much "smokier" flavor profile. This subtle smoky flavor combined with the tangy epazote will make you want to say adios to those traditional sugary mojitos.
Ahhhh, Dinner is served! Chiles en Nogada was the perfect entree to soak up some of that alcohol! Two stuffed poblano peppers with picadillo topped with a creamy, rich pecan sauce and more fresh pomegranate seeds. Absolutely delicious!
After dinner, we skipped dessert in favor of a flight of Anejo or "sipping" tequila at Catrinas beautiful Tequila bar. We dreamed we were in Mexico as we sipped on three premium tequilas with a traditional sangrita chaser. Who needs dessert when you can have more tequila?
If you love tequila as much as we do, don't miss Catrinas monthly Tequila Tastings. Held on the last Thursday of every month, the Tequila Tastings are an opportunity to try new types of tequila each month at a special price. This month the tasting takes place on August 27st from 7-10pm and features Coa Tequila Silver, Hacienda Vieja Reposado and Don Felix Anejo. Flights are just $15 flights and drinks are only $5 all night with the purchase of an entree.
Go for the incredible selection of drinks, the authentic food, the Best Guacamole in Tampa or the huge selection of tequila but just GO to Catrinas! It's as close to Mexico as you're going to get in South Tampa.
