For actor Chace Crawford, nothing says home like sipping tequila in Texas. The Gossip Girl alum and The Boys star returned to his home state over the weekend for Formula 1’s Austin Grand Prix, where PATRÓN Tequila introduced the PATRÓN Citrus Circuit, the official cocktail of the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
“I’m from Dallas originally, so I grew up coming down to Austin a little bit for football and whatnot,” Crawford exclusively tells Men’s Journal. “But this is my first F1 experience — and I’ve known the PATRÓN guys for so long. I really only drink tequila, especially now that I’m older. I don’t drink anything else.”
That loyalty made him a natural fit for the brand’s race-weekend activations, which included Cantina PATRÓN, an exclusive pop-up created in partnership with Mexico City’s Michelin-starred Taquería El Califa de León. Crawford took part in – and won – a Citrus Circuit cocktail challenge, where he joined guests in a high-speed race to mix the best libation.
“It’s basically just three ingredients,” he says. “It tastes a little like a margarita, but better. It’s clean, fresh, and a great sipper. I don’t like to stay out all night. I’m in bed by eight, so this is perfect for day drinking.”
Steven Blanco / Patrón | BMG
The drink combines 2 oz. PATRÓN Silver, 4 oz. fresh limeade, and a splash of citrus soda, finished with a lime wheel laid flat on top to resemble a racing tire. Paired with Taquería El Califa de León’s signature tacos, it made for the perfect match. “The tacos are insane,” Crawford says. “The masa, the tortillas — it’s kind of perfect.”
Between travel and tequila tastings, he keeps a surprisingly balanced routine. “If I land somewhere, I’ll hit the gym at least once,” he says. “I’m not in there seven days a week anymore, but I try to move around and eat decently. These chicken tacos are perfect.”
Style-wise, the 39-year-old actor keeps things easy. “Coming down to Texas, I just try to dress like an adult now,” he jokes. “Usually jeans, a good T-shirt, and a jacket. I get some vintage stuff from Denim Revival in Los Angeles. I’ll text my stylist like, ‘Is this OK?’ and that’s about as far as I go.”
Even with his busy schedule, Crawford still has one destination at the top of his list. “Tokyo,” he says without hesitation. “I’ve never been, and it’s my No. 1. I heard it’s incredible.”
While he’s spent plenty of time jet-setting for film shoots and events, returning home always resets him. “Usually my mom just slaps a bunch of food in front of me,” he says with a laugh. “Otherwise, I’m at a steakhouse or watching my nephews play basketball. That’s Texas.”
