With Cinco de Mayo kicking off the warm-weather season, it’s inevitable that you will be enjoying many a Mexican beverage. From tacos to Mezcal and everything in between, the fifth of May is a day when Americans like to explore cuisine and culture from our neighbor to the South. While most reach for their favorite Tequila to make a margarita, we suggest shaking outside the box and using that magical barware to create something a little different this Cinco de Mayo. Guests will be impressed with the versatility of Tequila Partida.
Tequila is an alcoholic beverage made from the blue agave plant, with history dating back to the days of the Aztecs, when Tequila was called ‘pulque.’ Long considered the national drink of Mexico, Tequila comes in multiple marques (or types), based on their aging and leading to a differentiation in color. Tequila typically comes in three marques – Blanco or Silver (unaged), Reposado (aged between 2 and 11 months) and Añejo (aged for at least one year), with aging generally taking place in wood barrels. Some brands also have an Extra Añejo, which is aged for a minimum of three years.
I was thrilled to be able to sample a few of these delicious tequilas and I was really surprised and the taste differences. I never realized how different they really are. I am a huge Margarita lover and I have been enjoying tequila for many years but I never really got a chance to try different ages at one time to taste the difference. The blanco – the lightest one – is so smooth. There is not a lot of burn or aftertaste to it. It has become a favorite very quickly. I think I have been drinking the Reposado aged one normally. It is still mild in taste but it does have a bit more bite to it. The darkest one is the Añejo and that has a very strong tequila taste. Personally, I have found that I am enjoying the Blanco so much! It is great for light summer drinks, just like the recipes I am sharing with you below. I am making that first one – Partida Paloma this weekend!
This Cinco de Mayo, dare to impress with these easy-to-prepare Tequila cocktails, courtesy of award-winning Tequila Partida. Enjoy!
Partida Paloma Recipe
2 oz Partida Blanco
1 pinch salt
Half a lime
Grapefruit soda (like Jarritos or Squirt)
Fill a highball glass with ice and add the tequila and salt. Squeeze the lime half into the glass and drop into the drink. Fill with grapefruit soda.
Partida Mexican Mojito Recipe by Anthony Alba
2 oz Partida Blanco Tequila
1.5 oz Partida Organic Agave Nectar
4 Lemon wedges
4 Lime wedges
10 Mint leaves
1 oz Club soda
Muddle the fruit, add ingredients and ice, then stir gently. Serve in a rocks glass.
Tequila Honeysuckle Recipe by Navarro Carr
1.5 oz Partida Reposado
.75 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice
.75 oz Honey syrup (2 parts honey, 1 part water. Boil. Cool before serving)
Lightly muddle the watermelon and add Partida Reposado, lime juice and honey syrup. Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Disclaimer: Some content and images provided by our partner Tequila Partida. Please drink responsibily
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I had to call my daughter in to read this post. She is a big tequila fan…has always been. From shots to margaritas to her own unique concoctions. She tries a wide variety and tells us what will be good for different drinks. She mentions agave, bite, smoky flavors, a hint of caramel, but she is wishing to know more and learn about different ones. She talks to the people often at our favorite liquor store and is learning her tastes. You are right in the fact that they are very different…not just in the aging but in the different brands. Sometimes the obscure names are even better than the bigger names.
I don’t drink alcohol, but I am sure these are delicious! I’ll pass them on to my step-daughter who loves tequila.
ALthough I did know that tequila was the national drink of Mexico I didn’t realize that it came in different strengths/tastes due to its aging. You always share the best cocktail recipes. Now that Cinco de Mayo is coming up maybe I’ll try this one.
Interesting! I didn’t know tequila had such a long history. I think I’m going to make the honeysuckle for my cinco de mayo party, as it sounds delicious and a little different from the usual!
Oh wow – your post just reminded me of Cinco de Mayo – thanks for sharing these recipes.