I learned so much about tequila when I did the marketing study for Cesar’s company a few years back. Tequila is probably the most misunderstood spirit there is because it is so complex. It actually can be compared more to wine than say Vodka or other spirits. This is because tequila comes in different varieties and the character of tequila depends on many things including the aging process, the taste, the aroma, the quantity of the blue agave, the kick, the finish and the flavors of the tequila…and I could go on and on.
If it is a blanco (or silver), reposado, añejo, or ultra añejo, you’ll find a variety of recipes and here are some that Cesar says you’ll enjoy this summer.
Make sure all juices are freshly squeezed from the fruit and you buy the best tequila you can afford. Traditionally, blanco or reposado are used for mixing drinks and añejo, or ultra añejo are reserved for sipping but you can use any tequila you like because with Tequila – there are no rules and that’s all the fun of it!
Margarita
Salt
1 ¼ Ounces Tequila
2 ½ Ounces Cointreau
2 Lemons
4- 5 Ice Cubes
In a shaker add the tequila, Cointreau, lemon juice, ice cubes and shake well. To serve, moisten the rim of a cocktail glass with lemon juice and impregnated with salt.
Tequila Sunset
¾ Ounce Lemon Juice
¾ Ounces Orange Juice
¾ Ounce Gold Tequila
1 TBSP honey
Crushed Ice
Slice Lemon
Hours before put the cups in the freezer. Add the tequila, lime juice and orange juice. Pour the honey into the cup. Add ice and decorate with a slice of lemon.
Tequila Sunrise
3 1/3 Ounces Orange Juice
2 tsp grenadine
1 ounce Tequila
5-6 Ice Cubes
Orange slice
In a shaker put half of ice cubes, orange juice, tequila and shake well. In a tall glass of ice pour the contents of the shaker and pour the grenadine syrup slowly to go to the bottom creating the "sunrise" effect. Do not stir.
Matador Frappe
1 ½ ounces tequila
2 Ounces Pineapple Juice
1 Tbsp Lemonade
¼ Cup Crushed Ice
Mix in blender 10-15 seconds and pour in a cocktail glass
Tequila Sour
2 Ounces of Tequila
1/2 Ounce Lemon Juice
1 tsp sugar
Ice Cubes
Blend all ingredients in a shaker and pour over ice
Rosita
1 Ounce de tequila
1 Ounce Dry Vermouth
1 Ounce Sweet Vermouth
1 Ounce Camparo
Ice Cubes
Mix in a shaker and pour over ice.
México Pacifico
1 1/2 Ounces tequila
1/2 Ounce Lemon Juice
1 ounce grenadine
Crushed Ice
Lemon Slices
Mix in a blender at low speed. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices
Diablo Morado
2 Ounces tequila
1 / 2 Ounce Pernod
3 drops of angostura
Ice Cubes
Mix in a shaker. Strain and serve into a cocktail glass
Black Mexican
1 1/2 Ounces Tequila
1 Ounce of Coffee Liquor
Ice Cubes
Mix in small picture and fill cocktail glass with ice
Piña Madura
1 Ounce Tequila
Pineapple Juice
Crushed Ice
In a cocktail glass put crushed ice, pour the pineapple juice, add the tequila and serve garnished with a piece of pineapple.
Tequila Fresco
1 Ounce Tequila
1 Ounce spearmint
Crushed Ice
In a cocktail glass, pressing it gently by hand, add the tequila and then the mint.
The Mexican Bomb
1 shot tequila
1 ice cold Mexican beer
Drop a shot of tequila into the beer and stir.
Next week, Cesar be posting recipes made with Liqueurs including Reserva del Senor Premium Almendrado Tequila, an award winning tequila that has a rich amber hue, almond extract nose, full body with delicate marzipan and cocoa flavors. It finishes with a long, spicy, almond nut fade and a tequila dimension that provides a good, balancing bite to the sweetness.
Bon Appetit and Salud… y Gracias Cesar!