Pacific Standard cocktail recipe

What is a Pacific Standard drink?

When winter evenings call for something warm and contemplative, the Pacific Standard cocktail answers with sophistication and depth. This stirred tequila drink captures the essence of a California sunset, offering the perfect companion for those relaxed moments before dinner.

Created as a tequila riff on the classic Negroni, the Pacific Standard drink combines the clean agave notes of tequila Olmeca Altos Plata with the bittersweet complexity of Aperol, the rich herbaceous character of Carpano Antica vermouth, and a touch of Green Chartreuse for an intriguing finish. 

This cocktail proves that tequila shines just as brightly in stirred cocktails as it does in shaken drinks, making it an ideal choice for those cooler months when you want something contemplative and warming.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the cocktail’s complex profile. The tequila Olmeca Altos Plata provides a smooth agave foundation with its traditional tahona-milled character, while Aperol brings bright citrus and gentle bitterness. 

Carpano Antica adds rich vanilla and spice notes, and the Green Chartreuse contributes an herbal mystique that ties everything together beautifully.

Tips for your Pacific Standard recipe

Getting the proportions right is essential for this cocktail’s success. The tequila should remain the star while the modifiers complement rather than overpower it. If you find the drink too bitter, reduce the Aperol slightly. If it feels too sweet, add an extra dash of Green Chartreuse to bring more herbal complexity. 

Temperature is also critical—make sure your coupe glass is properly chilled before straining, as this cocktail should be served ice-cold. Finally, don’t rush the stirring process. Proper dilution through patient stirring creates the smooth, velvety texture that makes this drink special.

Consider the season when serving this cocktail. As a winter drink, the Pacific Standard shines during those cooler months when stirred, spirit-forward cocktails feel most appropriate. The combination of warming alcohol and bitter-herbal notes makes it perfect for sipping slowly during intimate gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

If you want to continue researching other drinks to practice these tips, check out our best cocktail recipes and get inspired.

Food pairings for your winter cocktail

The Pacific Standard cocktail’s bitter-sweet profile and herbal complexity make it an outstanding aperitif. Serve it before dinner with light appetizers that won’t overwhelm its nuanced flavors. Aged cheeses like manchego or aged cheddar pair beautifully with the drink’s richness. Charcuterie boards featuring prosciutto, salami, and olives complement the cocktail’s savory-bitter notes perfectly.

For more substantial pairings, consider roasted nuts with sea salt, smoked almonds, or marinated vegetables. The cocktail’s citrus elements also work well with seafood appetizers like ceviche or oysters. If you’re planning a winter dinner party, serve the Pacific Standard alongside bruschetta topped with roasted red peppers or mushroom crostini.

Why Olmeca Altos is the suitable tequila for your cocktails

Tequila Olmeca Altos Plata stands out as the ideal choice for the Pacific Standard cocktail due to its exceptional quality and traditional production methods. Made in Los Altos, the highlands of Jalisco, this tequila is crafted using time-honored techniques including tahona stone milling, which extracts deeper, more complex agave flavors than modern industrial processes.

The Plata expression offers a remarkably smooth profile with pronounced cooked agave notes, subtle citrus, and a hint of minerality that plays perfectly with the cocktail’s other ingredients. Its clean finish doesn’t compete with the Aperol, vermouth, and Chartreuse but instead provides a sturdy foundation that allows those flavors to shine. 

The Pacific Standard cocktail is more than just a winter drink—it’s an experience that transforms any quiet evening into something memorable. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day, hosting an intimate dinner party, or simply exploring the versatility of tequila in stirred cocktails, this recipe delivers sophistication and warmth in every sip.