The first time I dined at Besos Latinos was a few years ago after my graduation ceremony. I remember it well – the bright and funky decor, the lively music, the super friendly staff, and of course, the delicious Mexican food. Plus, they surprised me with a dessert, decorated with “Congratulations on your graduation”.

Fast forward to Monday night where I attended a Zomato foodie meetup with 19 other foodies, to learn how to recreate simple Mexican street food and cocktails at home.

Owners Luis and Cecilia, head chef and maitre’d, have run Besos Latinos (translated as ‘Latin Kisses’) for almost six years. They both hail from Mexico and together, bring a wealth of knowledge of Mexican food, drink and culture. I particularly enjoyed learning about what life is like in Mexico, the food you will find on the streets and the different festivals they celebrate during the year, for example, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), where everyone gathers in the cemetery (along with food, drink and music) to talk about those that have passed and to celebrate their lives.

Luis and his lovely sous chef showed us how to make six different dishes – crispy flautas, tamales, tlocoyo, quesadillas and two types of tacos…. It was great to see step by step on how to prepare each dish. Luis made everything look so simple – from making tortillas using a presser (all of which are handmade – just a mixture of corn maize and water) to using a mortar and pestle to make the guacamole and salsa. Their guacamole is the best I have had in Auckland so far! Each dish was fresh and flavoursome, just like you would find in Mexico. My favourite ingredients were the large green tomatillos (quite expensive to buy, but the tinned ones are still delicious) and the huitacoche, a fungus which grows on a corn stem – Luis, please put this on your summer menu!

Cecilia then showed us how to make a classic margarita and also a ‘michelada’ (a cocktail with beer, Worchester sauce and chilli). Cecilia gave us great tips on the different tequilas and beers you can use, how to shake a cocktail (believe me I have not been doing it right) and how to make drinks looks presentable. Cecilia said presentation is key and is the most important aspect, well aside from the taste!

I then got chosen to make a classic margarita in front of everyone (looking nervous in the picture below). It was super fun and now I know the recipe off by heart! Check out Cecilia’s classic margarita recipe below:

Classic Margarita
Serves 1

You will need:
Your favourite margarita glass
Tall glass
Ice
Salt or Tajin chilli salt (you can buy it here)
1 lime (to rim half the glass and for decoration at the end)                                
1 shot caster sugar
1 shot freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 shot triple sec (or cointreau)
2 shots tequila

Method
1. Rim one half of the margarita glass with fresh lime and dip in salt or Tajin chilli salt
2. Place ice in margarita glass to cool
3. Transfer ice to a second glass and pour over tequila, triple sec, lemon juice and sugar
4. Attach shaker firmly to glass, tip upside down and shake, shake, shake. The key is to shake behind your shoulder, not at yourself
5. Keep shaking! (Because there is sugar in it, you will need to shake a bit longer than usual…)
6. When done, pour into your margarita glass, taste using a mini straw and garnish with a slice of lime. Enjoy! x

Overall, I had a fabulous night, and learnt a great deal about Mexican street food, culture and I now have two new cocktail recipes to try out at home! A HUGE thanks to Sarah and Jasmine for organising the event and to Luis and Cecilia for their generous hospitality. Would highly recommend Besos Latinos – they really are the whole package!!!

Besos Latinos
Elliot Stables, 39 Elliot Street, Auckland
Open for lunch and dinner, Tuesdays to Sundays
Recommended: horchata (sweetened rice milk with cinnamon), flautas, guacamole (ahhhmazing) and a classic Margarita
Website

This post is part of the monthly link up party Our Growing Edge. This event aims to connect food bloggers and inspire us to try new things. This month is hosted by Hannah at Love The Little Bakery.