It seems like the prerequisite to starting a luxury tequila brand is to be famous. George Clooney, Kendall Jenner, Eva Longoria, Michael Jordan, and Adam Levine have all done it; the list goes on. The guy behind Montaukila, however, has broken that mold: He is the humble Simon Cascante, who grew up in East Hampton and began working at the Lobster Roll on the Napeague stretch about 10 years ago. He brings a background in both graphic design and East End hospitality to his tequila brand.
Cascante speaks of finding “synergies between two of my favorite places” — Montauk, of course, and Mexico, where the small batches are produced. He launched his company here in 2019, shooting for a “laid-back yet premium aesthetic.”
At its core are the classic blanco and añejo tequilas. Just in time for summer 2023, he has launched a pomegranate-infused tequila and two varieties of canned hard sodas, too. Cascante says being Earth-conscious is important as he builds his tequila brand. “Being by the ocean and having a deep connection with my community, sustainability is a large factor in my brand and business model,” he says. Montaukila’s bottles are made of 100-percent recycled glass. He also works with a female-owned recycling company in Mexico and partners with Oceanic Global to donate 100 percent of his merchandise profits.
It’s not hard to find Montaukila. It’s available at TT’s, the Surf Lodge, the Stephen Talkhouse, and the Lobster Roll. He can ship to 27 states with online ordering at montaukila.com. We recommend the Montaukila Blanco for a cool July margarita: With salt, of course — perfect for sipping on a pool deck in the dunes overlooking the Atlantic surf.