Warm summer evenings go hand in hand with cool refreshing drinks. And what goes better with a cocktail than Mexican food with your compadres? Tiaan Liebenberg and Zane Figueiredo opened El Pistolero last year, and have been commended for their wonderful quesadillas and chilli-chocolate churros. Since acquiring their liquor licence, their passion to produce traditional Mexican food is now paired with their passion for made-to-order cocktails.
The restaurant
Among lush big trees in the quiet streets of Constantia Park, El Pistolero’s bright yellow chairs serve as a warm welcome to visitors. Tiaan and Zane were specifically looking for a place in the east of Pretoria that was not in a shopping centre, with as much of a street view as possible. When one of their friends told them about their current spot, they immediately saw the potential the tranquil Constantia Park spot offered.
Fresh favourites
At El Pistolero all cocktail syrups and ingredients are fresh and home-made, and each refreshing drink is made-to-order. Firm favourites in the cocktail category include the classic margarita, the Marga-Rone (a margarita served with an upside down Corona), and the tequila sunrise served with home-made grenadine made from real pomegranate juice prepared in the El Pistolero kitchen. Great non-alcoholic Mexican inspired drinks include Tepache (a fermented pineapple drink), hibiscus ice tea and home-made coriander and jalapeno lemonade.
What to look forward to
A few new cocktails will make their appearance on the menu, including a pineapple and jalapeno margarita as well as Mescal, El Chico, and Club Del Libro Sangria. The Diablos Jardin (translated as the devil’s garden), is sure to be a hit with its chipotle-infused mescal, tequila reposado, lime juice, agave nectar and fresh mint combination. Three Mexican beers will also be added to the menu – these include Minerva ITA (imperial tequila ale), Minerva Pale Ale, and the Cabotella Blonde Ale. Last but not least, luxury tequila Don Julio, will become a regular on the drinks menu. In addition to the new drinks, patrons can expect two new wooden decks in the near future – perfect for gathering outside and enjoying the calm of the lush trees.
El Pistolero
079 197 9962
Words & images: Rita-Mari Ludike
