A quality tequila deserves much more than being dashed into a shot glass and enjoyed with nothing more than salt and lemon and in fact, a good tequila is as flavourful and enjoyable as any other premium spirit, if you treat it with care. Here are five of the most famous and most enjoyable tequila cocktails which will ensure your days of slamming are over.
Classic Margarita
Nothing brings tequila to life as well as a classic Margarita and the freshness that comes with it. You will need:
· 1 wedge of lime for garnish
· 30ml lime juice
· 30ml Cointreau
· 60ml white tequila
Pop all the ingredients in your cocktail shaker with ice and then shake and shake until the mixture is ice cold and chilled. Rub the edge of your tumbler glass with the lime, add fresh ice to it and then strain the margarita mix into the glass, with the lime tossed in at the end.
The Paloma
Another of the most popular tequila flavours, the Paloma is simple but has plenty of citrusy bite. You will need:
· 60ml white tequila
· 60ml grapefruit juice
· 30ml lime juice
· 10ml sugar syrup or agave nectar
· Pinch of salt
· Soda water/sparkling mineral water
Fill a tall glass with ice and then add your tequila, grapefruit juice and lime juice. Follow with the sugar syrup and your pinch of salt before mixing together and finally topping up with your soda and enjoy the mellow favours and the fizz.
Tequila Sunrise
Probably the most famous drink when it comes to creating a beautiful work of art as well as a tempting flavour, the Tequila Sunrise has plenty of retro charm about it. You will need:
· 50ml white tequila
· 90ml fresh orange juice
· 10ml grenadine
· Slice of orange for garnish
When preparing your Tequila Sunrise the most important thing to remember is not to stir. Begin by adding your tequila to your cocktail or tall glass and then carefully pour your orange juice and finally add your grenadine. The grenadine should naturally sink to the bottom to create the sunrise effect of the drink.
Bloody Maria
The classic Bloody Mary has been given a distinctly Latin twist, with the addition of tequila and the result is the fresh flavour of the Bloody Maria. You will need:
· 50ml white tequila
· 25ml cream sherry
· 200ml tomato juice
· 20ml fresh lime juice
· A pinch of grated horseradish
· 2-3 dashes of Worcestershite sauce
· 2-3 dashes of smoked Tabasco sauce
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· Celery to garnish
All the ingredients for a hot and spicy Bloody Maria are shaken up in your cocktail shaker and then strained over a tumbler, filled with fresh ice. Add your celery garnish to finish and enjoy the fresh take on the classic Bloody Mary flavours.
Blueberry and Mint Tequila Fizz
A less traditional cocktail but no less flavourful and a fantastic way of adding the spirit of Mexico into more traditional fruity flavours. You will need:
· 10 fresh or frozen and defrosted blueberries
· 1-2 mint leaves
· 50ml Crème de Cassis
· 60ml white tequila
· 2 teaspoons of honey or agave syrup
· Soda water
Muddle your fruit and mint in your cocktail shaker and then pour in the liqueur, honey and tequila. Add in plenty of ice and shake until ice cold before pouring into your glass and topping up with soda water. Garnish with more fresh blueberries or mint.
