Three of the more eye-opening margaritas at The Velvet Cactus: Pineapple Cilantro, the Velvet Heat and Cucumber Jalapeño. Photo by Stephanie Landry
The name “Velvet Cactus” seems to be a play on contrasts—soft and prickly, safe yet dangerous. As the newest entry in Baton Rouge’s Tex-Mex scene, this New Orleans-based restaurant extends those contrasts to its adventurous margarita menu.
Cucumber and jalapeño? Sure. Pineapple and cilantro? Why not. Pomegranate and habañero? You’re making us nervous, but we’ll try it anyway!
|
|
Most of their margaritas use Sauza Blue Reposado tequila and are made to order at the bar, with a bartender muddling each fresh ingredient at the bottom of a glass and then making good use of a house-made sour mix.
The most intense margarita on the menu, the Velvet Heat, features pomegranate juice, lime juice and a habañero-infused simple syrup for a lingering heat after each sip—sweet with a kick in the pants.
Pair one of these refreshing margaritas with a plate of nachos so large that even a group of friends couldn’t possibly finish, and you’ve got a great after-work hangout. Of course, the restaurant’s open-air feel and expansive, funky patio (about half of its seating is outside) don’t hurt either. thevelvetcactus.com