Putting passion in a bottle

Chef Luis Cabrera’s business journey has been nothing short of a culinary odyssey, leading to the creation of a product with export potential.

You may already be familiar with Chef Luis Cabrera. The former owner of the acclaimed Besos Latinos Restaurant and Ceviche Bar in Auckland, was born in Jalisco, Mexico, the birthplace of tequila.

Luis embarked on a culinary adventure that took him from the enchanting canals of Venice, where he honed his skills in the art of cooking, to top restaurants and hotels in Mexico City, Boston, Dublin, Milan, Venice, and Sydney.

However, it was in New Zealand, more than a decade ago, that Luis decided to make his home.

Throughout his extensive culinary career, Luis dedicated more than a decade to perfect his signature Margarita recipe.

His passion for this beloved cocktail led him to the establishment of Agave Spirits in Auckland, with a single purpose: to capture the magic of his Margarita and share it with the world.

Now Besos Margarita Clasica is said to be the embodiment of Luis’ dedication and craftsmanship.

“It blends premium 100 percent blue agave, sourced from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, with zesty lime juice and a touch of agave nectar,” says Luis. He says it’s a combination that creates a perfectly balanced sweet and sour flavour, “encapsulating the authentic essence of Mexico”.

“The result is a Margarita with a smooth and crisp taste that is sure to delight any tequila connoisseur.”

Luis Cabrera’s peers, including culinary luminaries like Peter Gordon, Al Brown, and Michael Meredith, have all rated Besos Margarita highly, deeming it “the best pre-mixed Margarita out there, even surpassing most freshly crafted bar versions.”

The acclaim doesn’t stop at home; Besos Margarita has garnered international recognition, clinching seven awards across the world, including a recent Triple Gold Medal at the prestigious Major League Spirits Awards (MLSA) in Michigan, 2023.

Remarkably, in just 12 months of operation, Agave Spirits has secured national distribution for Besos Margarita through liquor stores and hotels. This resilient small business has also established its own production facility with an eye on export to the Asia/Pacific region and beyond.

For more go to: www.drinkbesos.com