Long before I was selling luxury homes in LA, I was mixing drinks as a bartender to support myself while building my real estate career. It’s actually where I met my husband Romain! While those days of late nights behind the bar are behind me, I still love crafting the perfect cocktail – especially when it involves my favorite spirit: tequila.
There’s something about a well-made tequila cocktail that just feels like LA to me. Maybe it’s the sunshine, maybe it’s the laid-back vibe, or maybe it’s just that after a long day of showing multi-million dollar properties, nothing beats unwinding with a perfectly mixed margarita.
Today I’m sharing some of my go-to tequila recipes that I learned during my bartending days, plus a few new favorites I’ve discovered along the way. Trust me, these aren’t your typical sticky-sweet cocktails – these are sophisticated sips worthy of a luxury real estate closing celebration!
My Top Tips for Tequila Success:
- Always use fresh citrus – those bottled juices just don’t cut it
- Invest in quality tequila (I’m partial to Casamigos Reposado)
- Don’t skip the salt rim – it enhances all the flavors
- Get yourself a good shaker and proper glassware
The Mary Margarita
This is my signature take on the classic, with a spicy twist that’s perfect for those hot LA afternoons showing homes in the Hills. I started making this during my Katana days and it’s still my go-to for entertaining at home:
2 oz Casamigos Reposado
1 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz agave nectar
2-3 slices of jalapeño
Tajin rim
Fresh lime wheel for garnish
Muddle one jalapeño slice in your shaker, add ice and remaining ingredients, shake well, and strain into a Tajin-rimmed glass. Garnish with remaining jalapeño and lime wheel. Pro tip: Keep the seeds if you love heat like I do!
Camera-Ready Nail Care:
Trust me – after a day of back-to-back showings in the Valley heat, this is exactly what you need:
2 oz Casa Dragones Blanco
1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz rosemary simple syrup
Splash of sparkling water
Fresh rosemary sprig
The French Twist
This one’s for Romain! I created this cocktail when trying to convince my French husband that tequila could be just as sophisticated as cognac:
2 oz Don Julio 70 Añejo
3/4 oz St. Germain
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
Champagne float
Edible flower garnish
My Favorite Tequila Brands
Look, when you’re in luxury real estate, you learn to appreciate quality. These are my top picks that I always keep stocked at home:
Casamigos Reposado – My everyday go-to
Don Julio 1942 – For special celebrations (like closing a $20M listing!)
Casa Dragones Blanco – Perfect for light, citrusy cocktails
Clase Azul Reposado – That bottle is practically decor!
Must-Have Bar Accessories
Just like staging a home, presentation is everything! Here’s what you need:
A quality shaker set (I love my gold-toned one from Williams-Sonoma)
Proper glassware (invest in both rocks and highball glasses)
A good juicer for fresh citrus
Beautiful ice molds (large cubes melt slower!)
Stylish cocktail picks for garnishes
Entertaining Tips
When the Selling Sunset crew comes over, I always prep ahead:
-
Pre-batch your mixers (but add tequila to order)
-
Have garnishes ready to go
-
Set up a DIY garnish station (people love customizing their drinks!)
-
Always have non-alcoholic options available
Behind the Scenes Secret
Want to know a fun fact? During my bartending days, I actually kept a little notebook of regular customers’ favorite drinks. That attention to detail and personal touch is something I still use in real estate today. Whether it’s remembering a client’s favorite style of architecture or how they take their margarita, it’s all about making people feel special.
