I’m not sure how it happened, but at some point in American history, tequila got relegated to a base liquor best suited for shooting quickly or drowning in overly-sweet margarita mix. But this export from our neighbors to the south is a surprisingly versatile spirit capable of shaking up some of your favorite traditional cocktails.
When it comes to tequila, there’s a lot more out there in the cocktail world than just margaritas. While those certainly get the most press, tequila can make a delicious highball, martini, and more.
If you’re looking to add a few more tequila-based drinks into your repertoire here are a few great options.
Casa Bellini
Ingredients: 1 oz. Casamigos Blanco Tequila 1 oz. Peach Puree by PerfectPuree 2 Red Raspberries Top off with Chilled Prosecco or Champagne
Directions: Combine all ingredients into a tin shaker, except Prosecco. Muddle fruit and add ice. Shake vigorously for a few seconds and strain into champagne flute. Top off with chilled prosecco or champagne. Garnish with 1 raspberry through a skewer.
Ingredients: 2 oz. Riazul Tequila Plata 1 oz. Cointreau 1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
Directions: Shake ingredients in mixing glass with ice, then strain into a cocktail glass.
Watermelon Margarita from Casa Bocado
Ingredients: 2 oz. Blanco Tequila 1 oz. freshly pureed watermelon .75 oz. honey .75 oz. lime juice 2-3 drops rose water
Directions: Combine ingredients in shaker with kold-draft ice, shake and strain into rocks glass. Granish with a dehydrated lime wheel & mint sprig.
Tequila Herradura 19° North Created in honor of the home of hand-crafted tequila and scorching chili peppers, 19 degrees above the equator.
Ingredients: 2 parts Herradura Reposado 1 part fresh squeezed lime juice ½ – ¾ part agave nectar (to taste) 1 tablespoons of sriracha sauce ½ part of pineapple juice
Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake hard so that some of the ice melts, then strain over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Mexican Negroni
Ingredients: 1 oz. Casamigos Blanco Tequila 1 oz. Campari 1 oz. Italian Sweet Vermouth Casamigos Mezcal Rinse 1 Large Orange Peel
Directions: Combine all ingredients into a glass mixer. Add ice and stir quickly for 30-40 seconds. Strain into a rocks glass that has been rinsed with mezcal and add one large block of ice. Garnish with a large orange peel.
