Despite the fact that many of us are first introduced to Tequila via the combination of a shot glass, salt and a wedge of lime, the versatility and growing popularity of tequila has made it a staple ingredient of hugely popular cocktails in the UK. Venture into any cocktail bar, and you are sure to see classics like margaritas, tequila sunrises, and long island iced teas on the menu.
So, with Sunday July 24th marking National Tequila Day, what better way to celebrate than by mixing yourself a drink that incorporates the spirits unique offering, alongside some of its most complimentary flavours?
Below, the drink experts at NIO Cocktails have shared a selection of five delicious tequila-based tipples with a twist to expand your agave based horizons.
Watermelon Margarita
This fruity take on a classic margarita incorporates the refreshing textures and flavour of watermelon - absolutely perfect for serving up during a garden BBQ on a sunny afternoon!
Ingredients (serves 2):
60ml of tequila
30ml of triple sec
30ml of freshly squeezed lime juice
130g of cubed watermelon
Ice
In a cocktail shaker, muddle watermelon cubes to a pulp
Fill the shaker with ice and add the tequila, triple sec, and lime juice
Shake well
Use a cocktail strainer / mesh strainer to release the drink over fresh ice into glasses of your choice
Strawberry Paloma
The original Paloma is arguably the most popular cocktail in Mexico, and for those looking to sip on a sweeter version of the traditionally sour classic, this is certainly a winner.
Ingredients (serves 2)
175ml of grapefruit juice
100ml of tequila
100g of fresh strawberries
100ml of ginger ale OR ginger beer
Ice
In a cocktail shaker, muddle your strawberries until all natural juices are released
Add tequila, grapefruit juice and shake well to form the paloma mixture
Fill glasses with ice, and pour strawberry paloma mixture until ¾ full
Top glasses off with ginger ale/ ginger beer to top the drink off
Tequila Old Fashioned
A traditional old fashioned is made with whiskey and lives up to its namesake by being a timeless classic. For those who aren’t partial to the taste of whiskey, this tequila-based version is sure to hit the spot!
Ingredients (serves 2):
150ml of tequila
15ml of demerara syrup
2 dash angostura aromatic bitters
2 dash angostura orange bitters
Grapefruit peel (for garnish)
Ice
Combine all ingredients in a tumbler glass filled with ice
Use a bar spoon to stir mixture for at least 60 seconds or until well combined, and the glass is chilled and the mixture has a somewhat cloudy appearance
Add the grapefruit peel, and serve
Chilli Infused Tequila Sunrise
For those who love something a little spicier, this fiery take on a beach-side classic is the ultimate way to commemorate National Tequila Day this year. Impress your friends on your next fajita night and impress your friends with this delicious serve.
Ingredients (serves 6):
300ml tequila
1 litre freshly squeezed orange juice
100g granulated sugar
6 teaspoons of grenadine syrup
1 red chilli, deseeded and halved lengthways
Ice
Add your sugar to a saucepan with 100ml of water and the chilli
Stir the mixture over a medium heat to melt the sugar and then bring to the boil
Immediately remove from the heat once boiling and leave for at least 60 minutes to cool and for the flavours to infuse
Fill a large serving jug with ice and add the tequila, orange juice and cooled down sugar syrup (having removed the chilli)
Mix well and leave to chill for at least 10 minutes before serving
Mexican ‘Bloody Maria’
A traditional bloody mary is famously used to deal with the symptoms of a heavy night, but this ‘bloody Maria’ verison, substituting tequila for vodka, is delicious enough that you won’t even need that as an excuse to craft some up at home!
Ingredients (serves 2)
250ml of tomato juice
100ml of tequila
½ a lemon
½ a lime
½ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon of tabasco
1 pinch of black pepper
Ice
In a cocktail shaker, add the tomato juice, tequila, a squeeze of lemon and lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco and black pepper and shake well
Add to ice filled glasses and serve straight away
If you LOVE tequila, but crafting cocktails isn't for you, NIO has three delicious margarita options for you to choose from, including their classic Margarita and Tommy’s Margarita.
They also have their fruity summer, limited-edition "Mango Margarita", where Exotico Blanco Tequila meets mango liqueur. The Mango Margarita sold out in just a few days due to high demand, but these will be back in stock on August 1st 2022..
About: NIO Cocktails is a premium cocktail letterbox delivery service that is part of the ready-to-drink sector, providing award-winning cocktails crafted by expert mixologist, Patrick Pistolesi. For cocktails that ‘Need Ice Only’, NIO cocktails promise quality in every drink. https://niococktails.co.uk/collections/premixed-tequila-cocktails