BEDFORD'S AGAVE SOUR

After six months, this gig was starting to take its toll on me. I could no longer make toasts to health and wealth without a bitter sense of irony with respect to both words. Alas, partying is such sweet sorrow. I had to take some time off from Ol' John Barleycorn (a.k.a. the best friend I ever had) to detox and dry out. But then this new place opened up in the Heights, and I heard good things about it and — surprise, surprise — my inner journalist/booze-whore awoke...Let's just say I'd been looking forward to a good drink for quite a while. The cocktail menu at Bedford (1001 Studewood St., 713-880-1001) made me giddy. I ordered an agave sour as soon as I sat down in the swanky lounge. It didn't disappoint. Bartender Michael McLemore damn near broke my heart when he told me it might not make the final cut when Bedford does its official grand opening on February 28. Here's one vote in favor of keeping it on the menu. Tequila cocktails are rare outside of Margaritaville (population: way too many), and the last thing this town needs is another chocolate martini.

2 ounces El Jimador tequila

1 ounce grapefruit juice

1 ounce orange juice

1/2 ounce lemon simple syrup

Combine all ingredients with ice in a shaker; shake and strain into chilled martini glass.

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