Image courtesy of Cantera Tequila.
Cinco de Mayo is a couple of days away. If you plan to celebrate at home this year, why not liven up your cocktail-making repertoire? No matter how much you love a classic margarita, it’s a good time to try some new agave-based cocktail recipes. See below for some inspiration.
Cantera Negra Cafe is a smooth, silky, coffee-flavored liquor made with 100% agave tequila, while the Dulce Noche cocktail riffs on the classic espresso martini. The inclusion of sweetened condensed milk makes for a flavor reminiscent of dulce de leche. Simply combine 1 part Cantera Negra Cafe with 2 parts espresso and .25 parts sweetened condensed milk in an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake and pour into a coupe or martini glass, then garnish with powdered cinnamon.
Liquid Lunch, a creation from Emyla Tequila, merges peach slices, basil, and lime juice with tequila for a bright, refreshing sipper. In a cocktail shaker, muddle slices from two peaches with four basil leaves and 1 oz. lime juice. Add 2 oz. Emyla Tequila and 1 oz. agave (or one bar spoon of brown sugar), shake, and strain into a rocks glass over ice.
One Carat is a refreshingly different take on agave-based cocktails from Maestro Dobel Tequila. In a shaker, pour 1 1/2 oz. Maestro Dobel Diamante Cristalino Tequila, ½ oz. Ancho Reyes liquor, 1 oz. carrot juice, ½ oz. lemon juice, and ½ oz. cinnamon syrup. Shake and serve in a glass over ice with a basil leaf garnish.
Photo courtesy of Ojo de Tigre.
Ojo de Tigre is a smooth, herbally complex mezcal that goes easy on the smoke, making it a good introduction for the mezcal curious. The brand’s Pink Tiger cocktail is bubbly, festive, and perfect for brunch.
Mix 1 ½ oz. Ojo de Tigre Mezcal with ½ oz. lime juice, 4 oz. pink grapefruit soda in a highball glass. Garnish with a lime wheel. More info here.
Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico’s victory over France in 1862, so Cazadores created the 1862 Margarita, a variation on the margarita that unites Mexican tequila with a great French liqueur: St. Germain. The elderflower flavor of St. Germain helps make for a unique take on the beloved classic.
To create an 1862 Margarita, combine 1 ½ oz. Cazadores Blanco, ½ oz. St. Germain, ½ oz. agave nectar, and ¾ oz. fresh lime juice with ice. Shake, pour over ice, and garnish with a lime wheel.
