By Khrys Maxwell

In a nondescript bar on a side street in the small Mexican town of Tequila, Don Javier Delgado Corona—ciudad Tequila’s original mixologist—continues to pour drinks at 87 years young.

Don Javier, stationed at La Capilla since 1940 (previously owned by his grandfather, then his father), created the legendary Batanga in 1961 to honor a friend. Over the years, La Capilla has been a favorite local watering hole for field workers, master distillers, international business owners, and tequila lovers from around the world. Don Javier has served them all with a big, warm smile. His creation comes in two forms: one made with Coca-Cola (the Charro Negro) the other with Squirt (the Paloma).

The Batanga is easy to make and tastes great, but is always best when made by Don Javier. Therefore, when you make a Batanga, raise your glass in tribute to Don Javier, and enjoy!

La Batanga de La Capilla

• Rim a highball glass with a slice of lime and salt
• Squeeze 1 small lime into glass
• Fill glass with ice
• Add 3 oz Blanco tequila
• Add 3 oz Mexican Coca-Cola or Squirt
• Stir and enjoy!