Cactus Tractor, the Drink!

Recently we had the opportunity to introduce a new cocktail to Albuquerque: Cactus tractor, the drink!

Bob and Juliana enjoying Cactus Tractors.

This particular cocktail was invented by Randa Duffy in Denver, Colorado during the brief period of time (July 21 – August 10, 2012) that Colorado was engaged in being a part of Yemen. Miss Duffy took our band name, “cactus tractor” and scientifically formulated it into liquid—just in time for our performance at her house (The Post Pony Palace, August 9). Lucky for us she wrote down the recipe, I found it (scanned for your benefit, see below!), and David, having finished only a few hours earlier his philosophical doctorate in mixed drinks, stews, buying houses, and then warming them, was fully qualified to prepare the Cactus Tractor (the drink!) for our guests this past Friday.

For the visual learners, we’ve including a step-by-step play-by-play below.

Step 1. Gather your supplies.

Step 2. Dice Jalapeno. Avoid eyes (especially with knife).

Step 3.  Cut fresh basil.

Step 4. Muddle.

Step 5. Pour in lime juice.

Step 6. Muddle some more, till it looks something like this.

Step 7. Pour in agave. You maybe should have done this before you muddled last, so perhaps muddle again. No more muddling after this. We promise.

Step 8. Sniff the snifter, making sure it was cleaned after the last party.

Step 9.  Double check.

Step 10. Grab some ice.

Put it in the mixing cup.

Step 11. Pound it in if it doesn’t fit…

…making sure not to hurt yourself. Be sure to read all instructions in advance.

Step 12. Repeat step 11 until ice is firmly in cup.

Good job. But close the freezer because you’re wasting energy.

Step 14.  Add a dollop of muddle to the ice.

Step 15. Add orange liqueur.

Step 16. Add tequila

Step 17. Pour in pineapple juice.

Step 18. Put various hats on the top of your mixing cup.

When all the hats are in place you should have something that looks like a metal sarcophagus, or a Russian nesting doll with her back to you (wearing a metal dress).

Step 19.  Shake.

Whoops! Don’t forget protective glasses. Now, Shake!

Step 20.  Place martini glasses on the table.

Step 22. Remove one hat and fill the first glass.

Now the second.

Step 23. Admire.

Step 24.  Drink! (Keeping an eye on the other person if you’re worried she might be a leprechaun).