Not so much all about Maria. Here it is all about tequila. Use a fresh unoaked tequila blanco to keep the taste clean but agave-forward, not fighting with the rest of the ingredients; there is quite a party going on inside already.
Bloody Maria
El Diablo
Less famous than other ‘Mexican’ cocktails and that is unfortunate. It makes for a great thirst-quenching summer pick-me-up. Surprisingly the components work wonderfully together; each, individually, are some of my favourites. If you layer it up, it can look very impressive. Definitely one for Instagram, kids.
Margarita
There are numerous stories on how the Margarita originated. All we really know is it comes from Mexico in the 1940s and that you can get some really rough ones. Stay away from beach bars, tourist cafés, street sellers and anywhere else cheap. Go to a serious cocktail bar or make it yourself. Or just do yourself a favour; leave it for student holidays and hen parties.