5 Top Tequila Cocktails for Summer
Despite the common misnomer, margaritas aren't really consumed much in Mexico, except for by tourists and by locals at beach resorts. Although it remains one of my favorite cocktails, on a recent visit to the Cazadores Distillery bar in Arandes, I was fortunate enough to receive a few bar lessons from the master herself, Cazadores Brand Ambassador Tania Osequera, who revealed some delicious alternatives to the standard lime drink. Gear up for summer and practice these five easy recipes in preparation for the hot months ahead. And for all you margarita enthusiasts, find one authentic recipe below. Mayahuel
When in Arandas, it's a must to drink the local specialty, the Mayahuel, named after the goddess of agave herself. Arandes is known for its fresh-squeezed pink grapefruit juice, naturally sweet beyond anything you'd find in the States. The Mayahuel cocktail is enjoyed by jimadores after the harvest of the piñas, or agave plant cores. Oddly enough, New York's own club for tequila devotees, Mayahuel, fails to include the namesake cocktail on their menu.
To make a similar version:
Pour 4 oz. Pink grapefruit juice (fresh squeezed is ideal)
1.5 oz. Silver Cazadores over ice.
Sweeten to taste with organic agave nectar and stir.
Infused Tequila
For a large dinner party, nothing beats a pitcher of distilled spirits. For an alternative on the tired vodka blends, try this infused tequila recipe. It's just the thing for a hot summer night.
Pour a 750ml bottle of Cazadores silver into a glass pitcher, and fill with strips of cucumber and seedless watermelon. Store in the refrigerator overnight. Before serving, mix in a shaker with ice and a few drops of agave nectar. Serve over ice and garnish with mint.
Paloma
Forget the Margarita. The Paloma, or dove, can make claim to being the national cocktail of Mexico. In addition to the refreshing taste, Palomas probably earned their claim to popularity for being incredibly easy to make. In Mexico, they're made simply by pouring a shot of tequila and Fresca, a sugar-sweetened grapefruit soda, over ice. In the States, where Fresca is inherently diet, you can make a similar drink with Squirt, or achieve a natural tasting Paloma with the following recipe:
Lime and salt the rim of a tall glass. Fill with ice.
Add 1.5 oz. of silver tequila to your shaker.
Add 2 oz grapefruit juice and 1.5 oz. lime juice.
Sweeten with agave nectar as desired.
Shake with a full scoop of ice.
Drain into the glass.
Top off with Sprite.
Corzo Modern Muddled Margarita
If you must have your margarita, forego the frozen, sugary types. Drop into your shaker the following:
2 orange wedges.
2 lemon wedges.
2 large lime wedges.
1 oz. agave nectar
1.5 oz. Corzo Silver.
1 oz. Cointreau (optional)
Crush ingredients with a strong muddler.
Add a scoop of ice, cover and give it a good shake.
Pour into a martini glass and garnish with an orange wedge.
The Sangrita
Similar to a Bloody Maria, the Sangrita is a simple chaser for those who like to take their tequila solo.
In your shaker, mix
1.5 oz. tomato juice.
1 oz. lime juice.
1 oz. orange juice.
3 splashes Tobasco sauce.
A sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Mix it up with a scoop of ice and pour into a small glass.
Take a shot of Corzo Reposado, and follow with the Sangrita.
My visit to Jalisco was sponsored by Tequila Cazadores, but the opinions expressed in the article are 100% my own.
Forget the Margarita. The Paloma, or dove, can make claim to being the national cocktail of Mexico. In addition to the refreshing taste, Palomas probably earned their claim to popularity for being incredibly easy to make. In Mexico, they're made simply by pouring a shot of tequila and Fresca, a sugar-sweetened grapefruit soda, over ice. In the States, where Fresca is inherently diet, you can make a similar drink with Squirt, or achieve a natural tasting Paloma with the following recipe:
Lime and salt the rim of a tall glass. Fill with ice.
Add 1.5 oz. of silver tequila to your shaker.
Add 2 oz grapefruit juice and 1.5 oz. lime juice.
Sweeten with agave nectar as desired.
Shake with a full scoop of ice.
Drain into the glass.
Top off with Sprite.
Corzo Modern Muddled Margarita
If you must have your margarita, forego the frozen, sugary types. Drop into your shaker the following:
2 orange wedges.
2 lemon wedges.
2 large lime wedges.
1 oz. agave nectar
1.5 oz. Corzo Silver.
1 oz. Cointreau (optional)
Crush ingredients with a strong muddler.
Add a scoop of ice, cover and give it a good shake.
Pour into a martini glass and garnish with an orange wedge.
The Sangrita
Similar to a Bloody Maria, the Sangrita is a simple chaser for those who like to take their tequila solo.
In your shaker, mix
1.5 oz. tomato juice.
1 oz. lime juice.
1 oz. orange juice.
3 splashes Tobasco sauce.
A sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Mix it up with a scoop of ice and pour into a small glass.
Take a shot of Corzo Reposado, and follow with the Sangrita.
My visit to Jalisco was sponsored by Tequila Cazadores, but the opinions expressed in the article are 100% my own.
