We in Texas love our Tequila. In everything from a margarita to mixed simply with fruit juice or even sipping straight, Mexico’s national spirit has become one of our most beloved, especially here in Texas. Today is national tequila day, also known as a great day to sip and savor the 100% agave spirit. Here are a few cocktails to get you in the celebratory mood. Samples for a few of the spirits were sent for editorial consideration. If you are a true tequila aficionado consider swinging by Sigel’s tomorrow through Saturday – they will have specials on dozens of high end selections nicely discounted, like DOS LUNAS GRAND RESERVE discounted $500 from $2499.99 to $1999.99, ASOMBROSA ANEJO 11yr discounted from $999.99 to $849.99, CHINACO ANEJO EXTRA discounted from $299.99 to $199.99, and many, many more ideal for simply sipping on their own or over ice.
CAMARENA GRAND SLAM
1 1/2 oz Camarena Reposado Tequila
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
3/4 oz Agave Nectar
1-2 slices Fresh Jalapeño
2 cubes Fresh Pineapple
1 pinch Fresh Cilantro
Directions: Muddle all ingredients, except tequila in a shaker tin. Add tequila and ice, shake nice & easy and strain over fresh ice in a double old fashioned glass. Garnish with a pineapple square, jalapeno slice and fresh cilantro.
UV LONG WEEKEND
1 part UV Peach vodka
1 part Patron Silver tequila
1 part Pyrat rum
1 part Hendrick’s gin
1 part cola
2 parts lemon juice
Directions: Serve over ice in a highball glass and garnish with orange slice and cherry.
PAPAYA SMASH
1 Slice of Fresh Papaya
¼ oz. Agave Nectar
1 ¼ oz. Avión Añejo
½ oz. Aperol
½ oz. Orange Juice
¾ oz. Fresh Lime Juice
Garnish with Fresh Papaya
Directions: Add a slice of fresh papaya and agave nectar to your mixing glass. Muddle to release the papaya flavor. Combine ingredients in shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain over ice, and garnish with a fresh slice of papaya.
If you are an Avion fan they recently introduced the latest addition to their tequila portfolio, Avion Espresso made with robust, toasted, Italian Espresso blended with a touch of sweet agave and Avion silver tequila creating an ultra-premium liqueur with enough sweetness and spice to counteract the bitterness rich espresso sometimes has. Delicious sipped on its own, or mixed with other spirits for an interesting combination.
IRISH ESPRESSO
1 part Avion Espresso
1 part Jameson Whiskey
Directions: Add both to a rocks glass over ice.
AFTERHOURS
1 part Avion Espresso
2 parts Avion Anejo
Directions: Add both to a rocks glass over ice and stir.
In honor of the new bundle of Royal joy, create a spicy cocktail with King’s Ginger. Originally created by Berry Bros. in 1903 for King Edward VII when the Royal Physician commissioned the liqueur to help revitalize the King and his spirited ways. Filled with ginger root, lemon and touch of sweet honey. Sweet, spicy and if you listen to the Royal Physicians…good for you.
ROYAL RITA
1 part King’s Ginger
1 part Milagro Silver
½ part Cointreau
splash agave
juice of ½ lime
Directions: Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice and shake until very cold. Strain into an ice filled rocks glass. Garnish with a lime.
And in honor of National Tequila Day and National Ice Cream Month….
TEQUILA ICE CREAM
Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort (Makes 4 quarts)
8 cups whole milk
2 3/4 cups whipping cream
2 cups sugar
1 cup corn syrup
1 cup powdered milk
5 fl oz silver tequila
Directions: Boil milk and cream, turn off the fire and mix with all the rest ingredients. Cool, and pour into the canister of an ice cream maker and freeze according the directions of the machine.
