Directions
Today we will address a controversial topic, for some difficult, but splendid, because we will prepare the best tequila-based cocktails at home.
True, the Mexican blue agave distillate has been relegated to oblivion for years, it has always come behind vodka, gin, rum and whiskey, now even mezcal and sake have become the new hipster spirits and have surpassed tequila.
But let’s not fool ourselves, tequila, the well-made, artisanal one, distilled in the old way, with a discontinuous alembic still has nothing to envy to the great spirits. Did George Clooney take the field with the birth of the Casamigos distillery to make tequila cool? Probably yes, old George gave a strong boost to the image of tequila and in fact, he has already sold it to Diageo for more than 700 million dollars…
But let’s go back to mixology, we said that in today’s drink list there are only cocktails made with tequila and then let’s see what flavor and aromas this noble distillate has. The aromas are intense, balsamic, very green and pungent with hints of chlorophyll, licorice, mint, basil, lavender, tropical fruit, grass, hay and agave of course. The flavor is intense, sharp, not necessarily smoky, and according to the type of aging it is possible to perceive aromas and flavors of wood, vanilla and classic wood spices such as nutmeg, tobacco and cinnamon. Usually, ex-bourbon barrels are used to not weigh down with oxidized hints, but to add smoke and creaminess.
It goes well with citrus and salt, as is well known, after all, tequila, salt and lemon are a home run. But it is also excellent when mixed with triple sec or Cointreau and any juice, including berries. The fruity and green tones are also excellent for enhancing herbal or spicy liqueurs such as Frangelico, but also in combination with sweet liqueurs such as Framboise, Chambord and Creme de cassis. It does not disdain tonic water and ginger beer either, see tequila boom boom and the Diablo cocktail.
Margarita
A great classic as an aperitif, one of the simplest to prepare. Rim the glass with salt, shake 3.5 cl of tequila, 1.5 cl of lime juice and 2.5 cl of triple sec in the shaker with ice and you will make an immortal drink. You can add 2 cl of juice of any type, watermelon, melon or kiwi or chili or tomato juice or fresh basil to customize your Margaritas. If you want to try making it at home, here is the original Margarita cocktail recipe.
Tequila Sunrise
Another very fresh, aromatic drink with an extremely dry and smooth taste. It was a great protagonist of the 90s, even if in reality it is very simple and is prepared with only three ingredients. 9 cl of orange juice, 4.5 cl of tequila and then colored with 1.5 cl of grenadine to create the memorable color effect that gave the cocktail its name. Mix the drink and add the grenadine only at the end, which when falling will tinge the orange juice red, creating the “sunrise” effect. If you want to try making this drink at home, here is the original recipe for the Tequila Sunrise cocktail.
Tequila Bum-Bum
More than a cocktail it is a divertissement, very essential and easy to make. A kind of tequila and tonic in chupito glasses. Put a slice of lime, 4 cl of tequila, 2 cl of tonic water in the glasses, cover with a tea towel and beat on the counter like real hard.
Paloma
Another very simple cocktail, always based on tequila and citrus. 1.5 cl of lime juice, 9 cl of pink grapefruit soda, 5 cl of tequila and a pinch of salt. In addition to being the national drink of Mexico, it is also one of the most thirst-quenching and tickling drinks you can make with tequila. Paloma is a bomb, try it and you will discover an incredible cocktail, here is the original recipe.
Vampiro
The Mexican cousin of the Bloody Mary uses tequila instead of vodka. There are also other differences between the toppings the Vampiro is much richer than the Spartan Bloody: it includes orange juice, acacia honey, slices of chopped onion and fresh chili. If you want to make it at home, here’s the Vampiro recipe. It’s easy, but you need a little preparation.
El Diablo
The most charismatic and greedy cocktail, an incredible blend of sweet, acidic, fruity and balsamic flavors thanks to the presence of ingredients that are in constant contrast. 5 cl of tequila, 2.5 cl of Crème de Cassis, 2.5 cl of lime, 8 cl of ginger beer. Here is the recipe for the El Diablo cocktail.
Agua de Angeles
A fresh, thirst-quenching drink thanks to the presence of mint and watermelon. If you want to try this delicious drink, here is the Agua de Vida recipe.
Cocktail Z
What happens when carrot juice and tequila are mixed in the shaker? Great magic, but you need a little work and some special ingredients: 4 cl of tequila, 1 cl of mandarin, 2 cl of sugar syrup, 5-6 basil leaves, 2 slices of lemongrass, 3 cl of carrot juice, 4 cl of orange juice, 2 slices of cucumber, lemon peel. The cocktail is very sharp, aromatic and thirst-quenching, full of green and sweet hints. Here is the recipe for the Z cocktail.
Devil Tongue
The classic Margarita is tinged with the red of strawberries and the fire of chili. Very easy, but the super aromatic base of tequila is perfect for enhancing the delicate taste of strawberries, with the warmth of the chili that frames and gives liveliness. The Devil Tongue recipe.
