Tag Archives: Cinco de Mayo

Frozen Sangria Margarita

Posted on May 5, 2012 | Leave a comment

Sangria swirled throughout the base margarita makes a delicious festive treat. Subtle wine notes weave sweetness in with traditional citrus tart of the margarita. This wonderful frozen treat is easily accomplished with simple blender and freezer. No need for slushy machines at home. Added bonus… the base recipe without sangria added makes a great variation on the traditional margarita. It’s like two cocktails in one! Now that’s something to celebrate.

Frozen Sangria Margarita – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 measures Camarena Silver Tequila

1 measure Premium Orange Liqueur

3/4 measure Lime Juice

3/4 measure Lemon Juice

3/4 measure Spiced Orange Syrup*

1-1/2 cup Crushed Ice

2 measures Bottled Sangria – chilled

Orange & Lime Wedge Garnish

Place all ingredients except Sangria in blender. Blend until completely smooth. Place in freezer for 2 to 3 hours or overnight to firm. Shake container occasionally so mixture does not separate ingredients while freezing. When ready to serve: In wine goblet or decorative glass, alternately layer frozen tequila mixture with 1/4 to 1/2 measures of chilled Sangria. Garnish with orange and lime wedge.

*Spiced Orange Syrup – created by Cheri Loughlin

Zest of 1 Orange

10 to 12 Whole Cloves

1 heaping tablespoon Whole Allspice

3/4 cup water

1-1/2 cup Organic Cane Sugar

Place all ingredients in saucepan over medium heat. Heat until sugar is completely dissolved (approximately 5 minutes). Strain. Discard zest and spices. Refrigerate syrup.

Cocktail Recipe commissioned by Camarena Tequila Representatives

Cheri Loughlin is a leading cocktail and photography resource for beverage companies, event planners, businesses and individuals. High resolution cocktail and beverage stock photography images are available in downloadable digital format in the newly redesigned Stock Photography Gallery at www.cheriloughlin.com.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Cocktail Creation, Daily Holidays

Tagged Camarena Tequila, Cinco de Mayo, Cocktail Creation, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Lime, Margarita, Orange Syrup, Premium Orange Liqueur, Sangria, Tequila

Barefoot MargariTOE

Posted on May 4, 2012 | Leave a comment

Cinco de Mayo lands on a Saturday in 2012 leaving an entire weekend for parties and relaxed merriment. It’s a sure bet blenders will whirl in excited celebration with flavorful margaritas. Barefoot Wine & Bubbly reinvents the traditional fruited margarita with a delicious White Zinfandel twist.

Barefoot MargariTOE – created by Cheri Loughlin

3 measures Barefoot White Zinfandel – chilled

2 measures Pineapple Juice – chilled

1-1/2 cup Frozen Strawberries

1 measure Camarena Tequila

Fresh Strawberry Garnish

Place all ingredients except garnish in blender with ice. Blend until completely smooth. Pour into chilled margarita glass or decorative cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh strawberry.

Cocktail Recipe and Photo commissioned by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Cocktail Creation, Holidays, Wine Cocktails

Tagged Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Camarena Tequila, Cinco de Mayo, Cocktail Creation, Pineapple Juice, Strawberries, Tequila

Spanish Fly

Posted on April 27, 2012 | Leave a comment

Spanish Fly

1 measure Tequila

1 measure Licor 43

Ground Cinnamon

Cinnamon Stick

Place tequila, Licor 34 and cinnamon in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into rocks glass over crushed ice. Garnish with cinnamon stick. Alternative method: Build in rocks glass over crushed ice. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon. Stir with cinnamon stick garnish.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Cinco de Mayo, Shot-tails, Shots & Shooters

Tagged Cinco de Mayo, Licor 43, Shot-tails, Tequila

Beyond Margaritas

Posted on May 5, 2011 | 1 Comment

At first glance Tequila Ocho Plata may not capture the eye as some tequila does. The bottle is clean, unexaggerated and free of adornment or glass etchings to secure consumer attention. Rather than place superfluous consideration upon the container, great time and effort have apparently gone into the character of the spirit itself.

This grassy, modestly spicy tequila surprised me. Tequila Ocho Plata is slightly thicker in viscosity than expected, buttery, smooth with a wee hint of vanilla in its notes and a variable of spice that is just enough without going overboard. There is barely there sweetness that takes the usual tequila fire from the tongue in perfect harmony. The complexity of character is evident, yet Tequila Ocho Plata remains balanced from beginning to end making this an all around easy sipper.

As this one warmed in the glass hints of mocha or coffee rose to the forefront. With vanilla and buttery charm already filling the palate something more original beckoned in the way of cocktail creation.

Ocho Limón Café – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 ounces Tequila Ocho Plata

1 ounce DeKuyper Buttershots

3 thin Lemon Slices

Diet or Regular Tonic Water

Place all ingredients (including lemon slices) in a tall glass over ice. Mildly stir the lemon wheels without completely crushing them to gain just a hint of the lemon flavor.

The faint hint of coffee flavor in the Ocho Limón Café rises to the forefront immediately as it melds with the distinct flavor of Tequila Ocho Plata. The fresh lemon in the cocktail brings out more of the coffee tones than when Tequila Ocho Plata is sipped neat. There are caramel chocolate tones without any sugary after effects. Ocho Limón Café reminds me in some ways of Patron XO Café in flavor without the thick sugary feel.

Tequila Ocho suggests enjoying first experiences with this tequila from snifters or Cognac glasses and then taking one’s sweet time in doing so to savor every nuance of the spirit. Once consumers begin sampling tequilas such as Tequila Ocho and truly find there are degrees of character rather than just some undefined spirit in a shot glass waiting to be downed in three seconds flat, it will be realized that tequilas can be slowly appreciated and should indeed incorporate more cocktails than the Margarita. Tequila Ocho’s character runs deep with diverse notes one might find surprising. I did. Tequila Ocho’s website
contains a valid point at the bottom of each page: “Inviting you to change your perception”

I definitely changed mine. Now it is your turn.

Tequila Ocho sample for review courtesy representatives of Tequila Ocho.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Daily Holidays, Reviews

Tagged Buttershots, Cinco de Mayo, Fresh Lemon, Tequila Ocho, Tonic

Tequila Cazadores: More Than Margaritas – It’s a Cocktail Tease

Posted on April 29, 2010 | 1 Comment

Cinco de Mayo rounds the corner soon. The United States and other countries often adopt celebrations from other countries, merging customs and traditions with their own celebratory styles. Cinco de Mayo, historically a celebration of Mexico’s independence of France, is often confused for Mexican Independence Day commemorated as a result of the Mexican War of Independence. Both celebrations aptly include tequila as base spirit for the widely popular Margarita and traditional Sangrita with chilled tequila shooter. However with classic cocktails and contemporary styled martinis so popular, it pays to explore options beyond the obvious.

Tequila Cazadores Reposado

Aroma: Hints of sweetness, dry grass, slight caramel – but only briefly

Tasted Neat: Contains a lot of burn, fresh mown grass, slightly less sweetness in the taste from what the aroma suggests, tinge of milky cream

Finish lingers only faintly, possibly five to seven seconds at most. Suggestion of butteriness that doesn’t quite pan out in the full flavor. Leaves me wanting for something more that just isn’t there in the final taste. Nice texture and character, but not my idea of the ideal sipping tequila. Definitely see 100% de Agave Tequila Cazadores as the chilled shot tequila variety for those wanting a quick fix solution or margarita style tequila. After a little recipe exploration and cocktail shaker play, Tequila Cazadores mixes well in cocktails one wouldn’t necessarily expect.

Teaser – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

1 ounce Tequila Cazadores

1 ounce Cointreau

1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

1 Egg White

1/3 ounce Licor 43

Orange Twist

Combine all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Dry shake vigorously to blend egg white with mixture. Add ice. Shake thoroughly. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh orange twist.

Many versions of the Teaser combine tequila and triple sec with orange and grapefruit juices on the rocks. The version above is an adaptation from the Teaser cocktail found in A Pocket Guide to Cocktails. My adapted version calls for Licor 43 to round out the edges, pull a little of the buttery feel that didn’t quite come through in the first tasting of Cazadores, add a hint of vanilla to take away so much of the acidic tartness of the original Teaser recipe and include a wee burst of orange with specific Cointreau and orange zest. The cocktail still contains a little tartness which was intended, but with mellow sweetness buried within. Rather than Teaser it could now be referred to as a temptation.

Tequila Cazadores sample provided by brand representatives.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in Cocktails, Reviews

Tagged Cinco de Mayo, Cointreau, Egg White, Fresh Lime, Licor 43, Tequila, Tequila Cazadores

Make Yours a ‘Better Cinco’ with Zipang Sparkling Sake

Posted on May 5, 2009 | Leave a comment

Serve things up a little bubbly this Cinco de Mayo with Zipang Sparkling Sake. Tequila and sake mix up festive innovation with dazzling sensation for a difference that will knock your sombrero off. Zipang Sparkling Sake is lightly sweet with the perfect balance of effervescence that gives your cocktail refreshing finish. Be sure to chill Zipang before serving as is in a champagne flute or topping off your favorite cocktail.

Better Cinco

1-1/2 parts 100% Agave Tequila

3/4 parts Fresh Mango Puree

3/4 parts Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 parts Simple Syrup

1/2 parts Zipang Sparkling Sake

Slice of fresh Jalepeno

Muddle Jalapeño with fresh lemon juice. Add all other ingredients to mixing glass except Zipang. Shake well with ice and strain into an ice filled highball. Top with Zipang. Garnish with a wheel of jalapeño and slice of mango.

Recipe provided by Zipang Sparkling Sake representatives

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Cinco de Mayo

Tagged Cinco de Mayo, Lemon Juice, Mango Puree, Simple Syrup, Sparkling Sake, Tequila

Hornitos Tequila Invites You to Mischieve

Posted on May 5, 2009 | Leave a comment

Tequila brings out the best, worst and yes, the mischievous spirit in some. Hornitos Tequila tempts the impish sprite within you to mix up some magic within a cocktail glass for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Sinful creations are mere moments away when Hornitos is in hand. Whether you prefer to mix up traditional favorites or tempt fate with wicked creations the quest for mystery and mischievous intrigue are left up to you. Hornitos sparks the imagination with two enticing cocktails to get the festivities started. Now see what mischief you can create…within a cocktail glass that is.

Hornitos Juan Collins

2 ounces Hornitos Plata Tequila

1 ounce Lemon Juice

1 teaspoon Superfine Sugar

3 ounces Club Soda

Lemon Twist Garnish

Build in a Collins glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lemon twist.

Hornijo

2 teaspoon Sugar

6-8 Mint Leaves

Club Soda

1 Lime – halved

2 ounces Hornitos Reposado Tequila

Mint Sprig Garnish

Muddle mint leaves and sugar in the bottom of a Collins glass. Fill with ice. Squeeze in half a lime and discard peel. Add tequila and top with club soda. Stir. Garnish with mint sprig.

Recipe provided by Hornitos Tequila representatives

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Cinco de Mayo

Tagged Cinco de Mayo, Club Soda, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Lime, Hornitos Tequila, Mint Leaves, National Tequila Day, Sugar, Tequila

Carlo Rossi Summertime Sangria for your Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Posted on May 1, 2009 | Leave a comment

Carlo Rossi takes pride in offering easily enjoyable wines for any time of year. For wine lovers, Cinco de Mayo is an excellent time to enjoy a simply made, refreshing Summertime Sangria. As Carlo Rossi says, “I like talking about Carlo Rossi wine, but I’d rather drink it.”

Summertime Sangria Carlo Rossi

Summertime Sangria

3 cups Carlo Rossi Sangria

2 ounces E&J VSOP Brandy

2 ounces Triple sec

2 Sliced Oranges

1 Sliced Lemon

1 Sliced Peach or Apple

1 cup Lemon-lime or Club soda

Combine Carlo Rossi Sangria, E&J Brandy and triple sec in a pitcher. Add sliced fruit and soda to fill. Chill up to 24 hours, or serve immediately over ice. - photo courtesy Carlo Rossi representatives

Carlo Rossi offers a wide range of wine products within their portfolio. Whether you prefer whites to reds or a little blush in between, the choice is offered nationwide. Carlo Rossi’s vision to offer quality wine with value resonates with generations past and present. Those who welcome practicality in their life, yet still appreciate the significance of value reach for Carlo Rossi.

Chardonnay – From the Carlo Rossi Reserve Collection, this Chardonnay has subtle hints of apple, pear and oak. It goes well with cheese and fruit platters.

White Zinfandel – This wine makes for parties and picnics. With its well-balanced blend of strawberry and watermelon flavors, it goes well with simple dishes like spinach salads and crab cakes.

Merlot – Bright with rich berry flavors, Carlo Rossi Merlot is guaranteed to be the hit of any party. Its medium-bodied fruit flavors go well with meat, fish and pasta.

Cabernet Sauvignon – This wine is big, bold and nudges toward the taste of red cherry and blackberry. Great with steaks and pork dishes.

Sangria – Sangria has traditionally been a social wine. You can enjoy its bright flavor as is or add slices of your favorite fruit, let it marinate and then serve it at your next fiesta.

Paisano – In Italian, Paisano means “friend!” This best-selling Carlo Rossi wine goes great with everything from fish to chicken, but most importantly is best enjoyed among family and lifelong friends.

Chianti – This classic Italian table wine is rich in flavor and goes well with pizza, spaghetti and various chicken dishes.

Rhine – With the sweet, crisp taste of green apples, Carlo Rossi Rhine is perfect for summertime but can be enjoyed year-round with barbecue, salads and fresh vegetables.

Chablis – This semi-dry white wine with its crisp, light taste and flavors of ripe pear can be enjoyed with grilled seafood, pasta dishes or salads.

Blush – Carlo Rossi Blush is a refreshing wine with flavors of fresh strawberries and sweet cherries and can be enjoyed with Gazpacho or other chilled summer soups.

Vin Rose – In French, Vin Rose translates to “Pink Wine,” but to Carlo Rossi it means a light tasting, crisp and fruit-forward wine that is perfect with Greek salads and antipasto.

Burgundy – This rich, full-bodied wine is filled with flavors of red berries with hints of spice and dark chocolate. It is perfect with traditional Italian sauces and spicy Mexican dishes.

Recipe & wine recommendations provided by Carlo Rossi representatives

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Cinco de Mayo, Wine Cocktails

Tagged Apple Slice, Brandy, Cinco de Mayo, Club Soda, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Orange, Lemon Lime Soda, Peaches, Sangria, Triple Sec, Wine

Non-Alcoholic Cinco de Mayo Celebration Cocktail: Sangria Faux You

Posted on May 1, 2009 | Leave a comment

Cinco de Mayo brings to mind cocktails of an alcoholic nature, but it is always pleasant to give those who prefer to enjoy the festivities with non-alcoholic fulfillment drinks with an equally celebratory feel. Sangria is an easy, breezy pitcher drink that lures one in with its rich base and fruit filled satisfying nature.

Whole Foods carries a white and red 100% Premium All Natural First Blush juice made from Chardonnay or Cabernet grapes in the juice aisle. This is my preferred juice for non-alcoholic sangria. If this particular brand is unavailable to you, use white or red grape juice as a base. Keep in mind the fresher and more natural the better when it comes to juice. Don’t skimp on presentation. Serve non-alcoholic cocktails in beautiful stemware with proper garnishes just as you would any other cocktail.

Sangria Faux You – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 – 16 ounce First Blush Cabernet 100% Premium Juice

1 Orange Sliced in rounds

1 Lime Sliced in rounds

1 Lemon Sliced in rounds

1 – 12 ounce bottle Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice

1 – 8 ounce bottle Pulp Free Orange Juice

Club Soda to top each individual drink

Orange Slices for Garnish

Combine all ingredients except diet tonic water in a pitcher and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. When ready to serve: Fill glasses two thirds full of ice. Fill three quarters full of Sangria Faux You. Top off with club soda. Garnish with a fresh orange slice floated on top. Insert straw or stir stick.

Another variation would be to exchange the Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice for 6 ounces Pineapple Juice and 6 ounces Peach Juice. Use the First Blush Chardonnay Juice with this version. This makes a luscious tropical blend.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Cinco de Mayo, Mocktails

Tagged Cabernet Juice, Cinco de Mayo, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Lime, Fresh Orange, Grape Juice, Grapefruit Juice, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Orange Juice, Sangria, Tonic Water

Sangrita

Posted on April 27, 2009 | Leave a comment

Cinco de Mayo is the right time to heat things up with a bit of Old World tradition and New World flavor. The classic Sangrita shooter gets a contemporary makeover when Tabasco Tequila adds a little heat and then smoothes out the fire by placing this sip on the rocks.

Sangrita

1 cup Bloody Mary Mix

2 cups Fresh Orange Juice

1/2 cup Fresh Lime Juice

Add 1-1/2 ounce Tabasco Spicy Tequila to 3 ounces batched Sangrita recipe. Serve on the rocks. Garnish with an orange wheel and cilantro sprig.

Recipe provided by Tabasco Tequila representatives

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Cinco de Mayo

Tagged Bloody Mary Mix, Cilantro, Cinco de Mayo, Fresh Lime, Orange Juice, Sangrita, Tabasco, Tabasco Tequila, Tequila

Tag Archives: Cinco de Mayo

Frozen Sangria Margarita

Barefoot MargariTOE

Spanish Fly

Beyond Margaritas

Tequila Cazadores: More Than Margaritas – It’s a Cocktail Tease

Make Yours a ‘Better Cinco’ with Zipang Sparkling Sake

Hornitos Tequila Invites You to Mischieve

Carlo Rossi Summertime Sangria for your Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Non-Alcoholic Cinco de Mayo Celebration Cocktail: Sangria Faux You

Sangrita

Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Intoxicologist.net

Can’t Find It?

Cocktail Archives

Categories

Figure Friendly

Admin Tools