You’d think a drink this good would have a well-documented history
—but like most tequila stories, the truth is a little fuzzy. The Tommy’s Margarita didn’t come out of Mexico. It likely came from Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco back in the ’90s, a family-run spot that turned the world of Margaritas on its head.
The classic Tommy’s swaps out the usual triple sec (like Cointreau) for agave nectar. Why? Because when you’re working with good tequila—and you should be—you don’t want to bury it under orange liqueur. Agave gives you sweetness with depth, without the boozy distraction.
The Classic Tommy’s Margarita Recipe
Ingredients:
- 60ml Tequila Blanco
- 10ml Agave Nectar
- 25ml Fresh Lime Juice
Shake hard over ice, strain into a rocks glass with a big cube or over fresh ice. No garnish, no fuss—this drink is all about clean flavour.
The Sonora Signature Tommy’s
At Sonora Mexican Restaurant & Bar in Potts Point, we respect tradition but we’re not bound by it. Our take uses two aged tequilas for complexity and a tiny hit of sea salt to round it all out.
Sonora Tommy’s Margarita Recipe:
- 30ml Jose Cuervo Reposado
- 30ml Maestro Dobel Reposado
- 15ml Agave Nectar
- 20ml Lime Juice
- Pinch of Sea Salt
Shaken with love and poured over hand-cut ice. It’s a silky, savoury riff that highlights everything great about good tequila. This isn’t your frozen blender drink—it’s a proper bar pour.
What Makes a Tommy’s Work?
- Reposado Tequila: Always—but not just any reposado. Some are too floral, too woody, or just have too much character. You want one that brings gentle oak and soft vanilla, not a full-on barrel punch. That’s why we blend Jose Cuervo Reposado and Maestro Dobel Reposado at Sonora. It gives depth without overwhelming the balance.
- we also really like Fortaleza Reposado and its always our first choice when in stock.
- Agave, Not Triple Sec: Balance should come from the same plant your spirit does. Agave is cleaner, richer, and doesn’t hijack the cocktail.
- Fresh Lime Only: Don’t even think about using anything from a bottle.
- No Salt Rim: A pinch in the mix enhances flavour without overpowering it.
- No lime wedge Garnish the oils in the skin throw off the balance.
This is a drink that respects its ingredients—and demands the same from you.
Come Taste It for Yourself
You can read about it all day, but the real magic happens in the glass. Whether you’re discovering tequila for the first time or you’ve got a mezcal collection at home, the Tommy’s Margarita at Sonora is one of the best ways to explore what tequila can really do.
📍Visit us at 37 Bayswater Rd, Potts Point
🍹Available daily on our cocktail list and featured during Bottomless Brunch every Saturday and Sunday.
🔗 Pair it with our signature tacos or explore the garden-to-table menu.
More From Sonora
- What Is Mezcal, Really?
- Bottomless Brunch in Potts Point—Everything You Need to Know
- A Guide to Tequila Types: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo
FAQs
Is the Tommy’s Margarita from Mexico?
Nope. It originated in the U.S., more than likely at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco.
Why doesn’t it have orange liqueur like a classic Margarita?
Because the goal here is purity—tequila, lime, agave. No distractions.
What’s the difference between your Tommy’s and a regular one?
We use reposado tequila, a pinch of salt, and a little more agave for balance—plus, the vibe of Potts Point’s best Mexican restaurant doesn’t hurt.
Ready to Rethink Your Margarita?
🔥Book your table now and try Sydney’s most thoughtful Tommy’s Margarita.
Reserve Your Spot or drop in for a quick one at the bar—we’re shaking every day from 5pm.
