Drink This Now: the Spicy Matador at Drunken Worm

With The Pitch‘s Margarita Wars fast approaching, it seemed appropriate to spend some time enjoying some of the margaritas from the participating bars — you know, really get to know the competition. Drunken Worm on 39th Street seemed like a fine starting point.

The bar’s specialty cocktails list is essentially just a giant menu of margarita spin-offs. I chose the Spicy Matador, featuring poblano pepper-infused Olmeca Altos Reposado tequila, Mai Tai mix and agave syrup. The menu said the drink was served in a margarita glass, but I received a massive pint glass filled with a florescent yellow liquid. No problem.

And no kidding about that poblano infusion. My first sip was all spice — but not in a bad way. In fact, I was grateful for the infusion, as it offered some relief from the thick sweetness of the Mai Tai mix. The two flavors together made for an interesting push-and-pull profile — one that begged some chips and salsa. 

We’ll see how Drunken Worm fairs up against the other Margarita Wars duelers: Hotel Phillips, Blind Tiger, Chuy’s, El Patron, K-Macho, On the Border, Salty Iguana, the Well and Unforked.

The Pitch‘s Margarita Wars takes place on Friday, August 7, at the Waldo Pavilion. Get your tickets here. 

See also: 
Drink This Now: Maibowle at Affäre
Drink This Now: The Pirate’s Booty at Local Pig – Westport 
Drink This Now: Blood Orange Ginger Fizz at Thou Mayest
Drink This Now: Melon Margarita at 715 Restaurant 
Drink This Now: Fatboy Sling at the Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange
Drink This Now: 400 Rabbits of Drunkenness at Extra Virgin 
Drink This Now: Summer Pimm’s Cup and Rajasthani Royale at Bluestem
Drink This Now: the Pre-Shift at BLVD Tavern 
Drink This Now: the Ian Fleming at Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar