Patrón XO Café and Silver Launch at the Ritz-Carlton Penthouse

Kahlúa, Bols, Tia Maria… I am not a big fan of coffee liqueurs as I find them too sweet and cloying. They taste more like candy than coffee and I generally don’t waste my time with it. Now then, here comes Patrón XO Café to save the day! Patrón XO Café is an extraordinary blend of ultra premium tequila and the pure, natural essence of the finest coffee. The taste is dry and I am happy to say, not sweet, as with most low proof coffee liqueurs. The higher proof brings out the flavor of the pure coffee essence and the premium tequila. It is excellent for sipping, or used as part of an ingredient in a cocktail, or even employed as a dessert topping that many alcoholics would appreciate;) Blending the “essence of coffee” with their premium tequila is what gives XO Cafe the edge. At 70 proof (35% alcohol by volume) it is higher in alcohol than most coffee liqueurs, and the result is a coffee liqueur that is dry and full of real, rich coffee flavor. The sugars are kept to a minimum which is part of its appeal.

Patron itself, actually comes in five varieties: Silver, Añejo, Reposado, Gran Patrón Platinum and Gran Patrón Burdeos. It is a luxury brand of tequila produced in Mexico and sold in hand-blown, individually numbered bottles. The liqueur is made entirely from Blue Agave “piñas”, which is Spanish for pineapples. The other luxury tequila we had the pleasure of sampling at the Ritz-Carlton Penthouse at the launch was, the Patron Silver, which is what you would call, young or “joven” tequila. It is known for its light, fresh, crystal clear look and an elegant smoothness not found in other silver tequilas. I definitely prefer this smooth, soft and light tequila over an oaky, aged and heavier flavoured one. It’s so much easier to knock back and has a lovely fragrant aftertaste, that lingers rather nicely on the palate. Anyway, these fabulous drinks were complemented with some terrific finger-food fashioned by Mexican Chef, Chef Carmela de Ponte. Later that night they brought out the margaritas and the party played on.

the Ritz-Carlton Penthouse.. tres chi chi!

Haze, Bangsarbabe, Rif and Ciki

Parton Silver.. smoothest tequila I’ve ever tasted, neat!

drinks all round

Patron XO Cafe.. coffee liqueur that goes down so smooth you don’t even feel it!

Mexican Chef Ms Carmela de Ponte executes some terrific finger-food at the party

Terrific, spicy and sour salsa dip

Mexican Chef Carmela de Ponte with the Ambassador to Mexico, His Excellency Jorge Alberto Lozoya

the penthouse pool