Sipping “El Salud” at Intermezzo

Just in time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the Wine Cask’s Intermezzo bar is unveiling “El Salud,” a special spicy margarita made in honor of 1st District County Supervisor Salud Carbajal.

The idea came from Wine Cask coproprietor Doug Margerum, who recently ran into Carbajal during the opening ceremonies for the American Riviera Bank in Montecito, where the supervisor expressed some dismay that Mayor Helene Schneider had her own cocktail at Intermezzo and he did not. “He implored us to make a habanero-infused tequila margarita, which, according Salud, is simply the best margarita,” said Margerum. “Thus, ‘El Salud’ was born. It’s quite good.”

Handling the dirty work was Intermezzo’s bar manager Matt Pickett, who infused the super spicy peppers into the tequila. For the mixer, Pickett concocts a cherimoya puree with lime juice and agave nectar and serves “El Salud” with a lime peel and sugared rim. “As per Salud’s request, it has a little kick,” said Mitchell Sverjen, also coproprietor of the Wine Cask and Intermezzo. “I would know, as someone had to demo it, right? I’m not afraid of the tough jobs, especially so close to my birthday. Si, it’s on Cinco de Mayo!”

Carbajal was elated to hear the news this week. “I am thrilled and honored that Intermezzo will start serving my favorite adult beverage under the name ‘El Salud,’” he explained. “This Cinco de Mayo weekend, I invite everyone to stop by and try this awesome margarita drink with a twist of infused habanero tequila. Absolutely scrumptious!”