Parties are always uncomfortable early on. Not many people, quiet, lots of smartphone stares. This was the scene when Tequila Partida’s rooftop party jumped off in Hollywood.
Which was fine. I’d just walked three miles to get to this place, worried I’d be too early if I took an uber. Tuckered me. So the low-key atmosphere was welcome. I was immediately greeted by the tequila company’s PR person. She was incredibly warm, and, most importantly, pointed me toward the drinks.The first flavor I tried was a straight-up margarita made with Partida Blanco. This was most folks favorite, I learned later, and I can attest to having tried it multiple times. Just to be sure.
Next up was the spiced old fashioned, it’s base the 18-months aged spicy Partida Anejo. I usually don’t dare have the spicy version of this drink; not many people do. And it’s a beloved drink, so adding this caliente twist was daring. I wasn’t disappointed. There was definitely some kick, but that familiar old fashioned taste wasn’t overpowered by the Fresno Chilis. It was well-balanced, and felt great going down.
A friend and I made our way to the taco station. That’s right, friends. There was a taco station. These weren’t half-assed, left-in-the-sun-too long tacos either. They were delicious; I had nine. Hungry partygoers could choose from chicken, beef, or the vegetarian option. I saw judgment in the server’s eyes as I came back for my ninth taco. I accepted and received that. At this point I was feeling chatty, so I made my way to the El Diablo station and bragged to the bartender there about how little money I have in my bank account. He laughed, but only to make me happy. I was that buzzed person who thinks he’s funny.
This was my favorite of the night. Made with Partida Reposado, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and—drumroll—ginger beer, I came back to this drink several times. It was summertime fruity, but not in a desperate-to-please way. Nice and even.
Things picked up. By the time I left, the half-rooftop, half-gallery space was teeming with young, artsy folks and monied valley types. The evening was also appropriately a celebration of Miami-based artist Alejandro Vigilante’s launch of his collection of artwork. The Partida family even showed up, dressed to the nines and chatting up everyone in sight. DJ Marcelle was on the turntables!
I took some selfies, which will live and die in my too-full camera roll. I was feeling a little silly, so I left. There was a gift bag at the exit with Partida Blanco in it. I’m looking at the half-empty bottle of it as I type. There was a four-month period in my life where I’d sit in my friend’s mom’s van and down tequila before dancing to hip-hop at bars on the West Bank in Minneapolis. I think this party reignited my love affair with the drink, and I fear I’m ruined.
