Tag Archives: National Margarita Day

DIY Ready-to-Drink Frozen Cocktails

No Blender Frozen Modern Margarita is a DIY Ready-to-Drink frozen cocktail – recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

No Blender Frozen Modern Margarita is a DIY Ready-to-Drink frozen cocktail – recipe and photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

You can make your own Ready-to-Drink frozen cocktails. It’s easier than you think. Once you start making your own, you may never buy prepackaged cocktails again! The only problem you might run into is running out too fast because they are so good!

Make Your Own Ready-to-Drink Frozen Cocktails

Ready to freeze pouches are frozen until ready to serve for blender style drinks without actually needing a blender. Fabulous idea! Good blenders are expensive. Cheap blenders usually don’t blend ice fine enough for cocktails. There are a few problem areas in freezing cocktails though. Alcohol and sugar don’t like to freeze. Consider recipes meant for blender use first when choosing recipes to use as Ready-to-Drink frozen cocktails. These will be the easiest recipes to convert for freezer pouch use.

A portion of the difference in volume between the base ingredients and a shaken cocktail needs to be added into the recipe to create a Ready-to-Drink frozen cocktail.

A portion of the difference in volume between the base ingredients and a shaken cocktail needs to be added into the recipe to create a Ready-to-Drink frozen cocktail.

An ordinary cocktail is put together in a cocktail shaker with ice. Let’s say there are 4 to 5 ounces of cocktail liquids that go into the shaker to build the cocktail. The cocktail is shaken until it is well chilled. Let’s say 20 seconds. Remember, we do not like a lazy shake! The liquid is strained into the cocktail glass. There is now a larger volume of liquid than the 4 to 5 ounces that went into the shaker due to ice melt. If that finished cocktail liquid were measured it would be more than the original measurement. THAT difference in volume is the key to making your own Ready-to-Drink frozen cocktails. A portion of the difference in volume between the base ingredients and a shaken cocktail needs to be added into the recipe to create a Ready-to-Drink frozen cocktail.

DIY No Blender Frozen Modern Margarita

The drink that inspired me to create a no blender necessary Ready-to-Drink frozen cocktail is served at one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. Roja Grill in the Omaha Old Market serves an amazing fresh Modern Margarita with fresh squeezed lime and grapefruit juice. Bartenders Manny, Brynne and Jaymee do an amazing job behind the bar at Roja. They also make some of the best, freshest Margaritas in the Old Market. Skip the Margarita machine and let the bartenders make a fresh Margarita for you. It’s well worth it!

I’ve never asked the bartenders at Roja for their Modern Margarita recipe. My recipe might not taste exactly like the one there. You will still need to go to Roja and sample the real thing! This recipe is an adapted version for freezer purposes.

No Blender Frozen Modern Margarita is an adapted version of the Roja Grill Modern Margarita - photo and frozen recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

No Blender Frozen Modern Margarita is an adapted version of the Roja Grill Modern Margarita – photo and frozen recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

No Blender Frozen Modern Margarita – recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Makes 1

2 ounces Blanco Tequila

1-1/4 ounce Fresh Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice

1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Premium Orange Liqueur

1/4 ounce Agave Syrup

1 ounce Bottled Water

Combine liquids in freezer safe container. Stir. Seal container. Freeze until ready to use. Mixture will freeze mostly solid within 4 to 5 hours depending upon how cold your freezer gets. Remove from freezer when ready to drink. Allow to slightly thaw for a few minutes. Shake to mix up contents. Pour into salt or sugar rimmed glass if desired. Garnish with lime wedge.

Ready-to-Drink Frozen Cocktails Tips & Tricks

Just a quick minute to thaw & shake is all you need for a wonderful icy, blended style frozen Margarita. No blender necessary. EASY! - photo and recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Just a quick minute to thaw & shake is all you need for a wonderful icy, blended style frozen Margarita. No blender necessary. EASY! – photo and recipe by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Makes only one?!? I know. There is a reason frozen cocktails are sold in single pouches rather than party pouches. I did multiply the recipe and froze it in a container that held five servings. There is a bit of settling that goes on as the cocktail freezes. It’s possible to freeze multiple cocktails within one container.  However, the entire container has to thaw for a few minutes so it can be shaken to remix the contents due to settling. It’s much easier to freeze individual drinks.

I’ve used zip style freezer bags for my frozen cocktails. They work in a pinch but they sometimes leak and they are difficult to stack until the liquid is completely frozen. Then I found the Ball 8 ounce Plastic Freezer Jars at a local grocery store. They are wonderful! They are the perfect size for an individual cocktail. There is a “fill to” line marked on the container allowing proper space for the drink to expand as it freezes. The containers are stackable which saves freezer space. They seal perfectly, so no worries about plastic bag punctures. When it’s time to thaw the cocktail, it’s super easy to shake and pour.

Add Your Comment: What DIY Ready-to-Drink Frozen Cocktail recipes would you like to learn how to make?

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

All content ©2013 Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist. All Rights Reserved. Chat with Cheri @Intoxicologist on Twitter and facebook.com/Intoxicologist or str8upcocktails@gmail.com

15 Easy Tequila Drink Recipes to Try

Finding easy tequila drink recipes to serve guests will be a snap with this easy to scan list of tequila cocktails. Links to all drink recipes are in highlighted text. Or simply click on the photo to go directly to the post with drink recipe and description of the cocktail.

4 Tequila Cocktail Recipes

En Vogue is a light, summery, classically styled cocktail. Sure to be a crowd pleaser. - photo and cocktail recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin

En Vogue is a light, summery, classically styled cocktail. Sure to be a crowd pleaser. – photo and cocktail recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin

If you love the classic Hemingway Daiquiri, you might like the En Vogue tequila take on it. En Vogue is loosely based on the Papa Doble cocktail, but this time created with tequila lovers in mind.

Simply Perfect Margarita recipe with three ingredients is just what the tequila doctor ordered.

My idea of the Perfect Margarita is it has to be easy to make, have as few ingredients as possible and has to taste amazing! – photo by Cheri Loughlin

My idea of Margarita perfection is this Simply Perfect Margarita. It’s ideal for easy party planning with tequila drink recipes in mind. Three ingredients plus garnish and it’s done. Fresh, easy, flavorful.

Quintessential Tequila Martini is a variation on the Maestro Martini without any spirit waste. – photo and recipe adaption by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Quintessential Tequila Martini is a variation on the Maestro Martini without any spirit waste. – photo and recipe adaption by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

The Quintessential Martini is a two ingredient super easy tequila drink recipe to add to your list of must try recipes. This recipe has been adapted from the Maestro Martini, created for Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila.

Campari rocks Cinco de Mayo celebrations with this summertime Campari Margarita – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Campari rocks Cinco de Mayo celebrations with this summertime Campari Margarita – photo by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Easy tequila cocktail recipes don’t get any better than this… Campari, so delicious in the Negroni classic cocktail, rocks the Margarita world with the Campari Margarita!

2 Low Calorie Tequila Drink Recipes

Margarita on the Rocks 2 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Margarita on the Rocks is a “make your own” skinny cocktail with only 82 calories – photo and drink recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin

Don’t pour your skinny cocktails from a bottle. Mix this low calorie Margarita on the Rocks with the tequila of your choice, triple sec and lime flavored sparkling water. Only 82 calories.

Camarena Tequila Caramel Apple Tequini tastes like a delcious caramel apple without the guilt. Only 111.5 calories – photo and recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Camarena Tequila Caramel Apple Tequini tastes like a delcious caramel apple without the guilt. Only 111.5 calories – photo and recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

The low calorie Caramel Apple Tequini tastes lush like a decadent caramel apple, yet it weighs in at only 111.5 calories! Low calorie tequila cocktails never tasted so good!

4 On the Rocks Tequila Drinks

Lunar Leprechaun uses Melon Liqueur for a new color and new flavor take on the traditional Margarita. – photo and recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Lunar Leprechaun uses Melon Liqueur for a new color and new flavor take on the traditional Margarita. – photo and recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

The Lunar Leprechaun and Lucky Tart were both created specifically with St. Patrick’s Day in mind, but have always been guest favorites at all tequila related holidays. Both contain Melon Liqueur, but Lucky Tart also has Sour Apple Pucker. Pucker up and enjoy!

Pearl Margarita

Pearl Margarita is one of my old favorite Margaritas with jalepeno stuffed olives garnish – photo and recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

One of my favorite margaritas from forever ago combines lemon and lime juice, uses both agave nectar and Cointreau and skips on traditional lime wheel garnish. The Pearl Margarita uses jalepeno stuffed olives as garnish. Yum!! Serve over ice or as a cocktail.

Camarena Tequila Cardamom Tequila Punch

Camarena Tequila Cardamom Punch uses an easy to make specialty syrup that your guests will love! Make the punch ahead of time for easy serve and easy entertaining. – photo and drink recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Looking for easy tequila drink recipes for a crowd? Look no further! Camarena Cardamom Tequila Punch will make your punch bowl pop with delicious flavor. Your guests will keep coming back for more and beg for the recipe.

Camarena Tequila Mariachi Mischief

Why make an ordinary margarita when you can make some mischief? Mariachi Mischief that is! – photo and drink recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

When life gives you limes, make Margaritas. Add a little peach schnapps and crème de cassis and make a little Mariachi Mischief! That’s the way to get the party started.

1 Blended Tequila Drink

Barefoot MargariTOE blended margarita uses pineapple juice and frozen strawberries with Zinfandel wine & tequila for delicious Margarita twist!

Barefoot MargariTOE blended margarita uses pineapple juice and frozen strawberries with Zinfandel wine & tequila for delicious Margarita twist! ~ photo & recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Get your blenders and bottle of Zinfandel Wine ready! Yes, I said wine! The Barefoot MargariTOE blends zinfandel, pineapple juice, frozen strawberries and tequila into a frenzy of frozen goodness. Rim the glass with sugar for a double dose of tequila fun fun.

3 Cool Tequila Shots

Mexican Truffle Gelatin Jello Shot 017

Jello shots quite possibly top the list of all time number one popular shot. Move over Jello shot cups. Hello bite sized Jello shots!

Jello shots quite possibly hit the number one top spot for most popular shots of all time. But times are changing and so are the ways in which Jello shots are presented. Forget Jello shots served in tiny plastic cups! Jello shots have come a long way baby. Now they are bite sized finger food served dessert style. Check out the Mexican Truffles.

Kamikaze Shot

The Kamikaze Shot makes the list of most popular bar shots. It can be made with tequila or vodka and triple sec and lime. – photo and by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

The Kamikaze has made the list of most popular bar shots for quite some time. It can be made with tequila or vodka, triple sec and lime juice.

Adios Shot

The Adios is an easy two ingredient layered shot that tastes good and looks cool with its layering effect. – photo and by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Layered shots are always fun party shots. Adios layers coffee liqueur and tequila.

Don’t Forget the Ice!

Rosemary Infused Ice Cubes

Rosemary Infused Ice with tequila lemonade – photo and recipe by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Don’t forget the ice! Rosemary Infused Ice with tequila lemonade that is. Have a very enjoyable and safe tequila inspired Happy Hour! Cheers! ~ Cheri

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Margarita on the Rocks

Skinny cocktails don’t have to come from a bottle. This fresh made margarita on the rocks makes the grade with fewer calories than a classic margarita and you still choose your preferred tequila. Beats bottle made any day.

Margarita on the Rocks - Low Calorie Cocktail

Margarita on the Rocks is only 82 calories and you make it fresh! – recipe & photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Margarita on the Rocks – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 measure Tequila

1/4 measure Triple Sec

2 measures Lime Sparkling Water

Crystallized Lime & Sea Salt Rim

Lime Wheel Garnish

Combine crystallized lime and sea salt. Rim rocks glass with lime and dip into salty lime mixture. Fill glass with fresh ice. Add liquids to glass in order given. Stir. Garnish with lime wheel.

Approximately 82 Calories

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Spiced Orange Margarita

Camarena Tequila Spiced Orange Margarita uses easy to make at home specialty syrup; Spiced Orange Syrup. The Spiced Orange Margarita recipe was developed for Camarena Tequila by Cheri Loughlin, Corporate Mixologist.

Camarena Tequila Spiced Orange Margarita uses easy to make at home specialty syrup; Spiced Orange Syrup. The Spiced Orange Margarita recipe was developed for Camarena Tequila by Cheri Loughlin, Corporate Mixologist.

If you ever feel like kicking an ordinary Margarita recipe up a notch, then try this Spiced Orange Margarita recipe. The Spiced Orange Margarita flavor just goes to show what a little flavored simple syrup can do for your cocktail experience. The Spiced Orange Syrup takes a few minutes time to make and a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The flavor results are well worth a few minutes prep work.

The Spiced Orange Margarita is a mouthwatering alternative style margarita with luscious orange spiced notes. Prepare cocktail style or serve in large rocks glass over fresh ice. Multiply the recipe for easy pitcher style serve for parties and home entertaining. The Spiced Orange Margarita makes a great choice for traditional tequila themed holidays such as National Margarita Day, Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day. It’s orange spice tones pair nicely with festive fall occasions as well.

Spiced Orange Margarita uses easy to make at home specialty syrup; Spiced Orange Syrup. The Spiced Orange Margarita recipe was developed for Camarena Tequila by Cheri Loughlin, Corporate Mixologist. This recipe is excellent for single serve or recipe can be multiplied for easy home entertaining pitcher style serve. – photo and recipe from The Intoxicologist site - Cheri Loughlin is The Intoxicologist, a corporate mixologist who creates and photographs the best cocktails and mixed drinks for home entertaining and bar use.

Spiced Orange Margarita uses easy to make at home specialty syrup; Spiced Orange Syrup. The Spiced Orange Margarita recipe was developed for Camarena Tequila by Cheri Loughlin, Corporate Mixologist. This recipe is excellent for single serve or recipe can be multiplied for easy home entertaining pitcher style serve.

Spiced Orange Margarita – created by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

2 ounces Camarena Reposado Tequila

3/4 ounce Lime Juice

3/4 ounce Lemon Juice

3/4 ounce Spiced Orange Syrup*

            Or 1 ounce Spiced Orange Syrup* for sweeter taste

Orange Twist & Allspice Garnish

Combine tequila, lemon and lime juices and 3/4 ounce syrup in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Dip thin straw into cocktail shaker to sample taste. If you need a wee bit more syrup for sweeter taste, add another 1/4 ounce. Shake briefly to blend. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with orange twist dipped in allspice powder.

*Spiced Orange Syrup – created by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Zest of 1 Orange

10 to 12 Whole Cloves

1 heaping tablespoon Whole Allspice

3/4 cup water

1-1/2 cup Cane Sugar or Granulated Sugar

1 ounce Vodka – acts as preservative (optional)

Place all ingredients in saucepan over medium heat. Heat until sugar is completely dissolved (approximately 5 minutes). Strain into heat resistant glass container with lid. Add vodka as preservative if desired. Swirl to blend. Discard zest and spices. Allow syrup to cool before placing lid on container. Seal. Refrigerate syrup. Syrup will remain fresh approximately two weeks.

Cocktail Recipe commissioned by Camarena Tequila Representatives

The Intoxicologist is a blogger & corporate mixologist who creates and photographs the best cocktails and mixed drinks for home entertaining and bar use.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Simply Perfect Margarita

My idea of the Perfect Margarita is it has to be easy to make, have as few ingredients as possible and has to taste amazing! – photo by Cheri Loughlin

My idea of the Perfect Margarita is it has to be easy to make, have as few ingredients as possible and has to taste amazing! – photo by Cheri Loughlin

My idea of the Perfect Margarita is it has to be easy to make, have as few ingredients as possible and has to taste amazing! Bottled margaritas are a one stop shop when it comes to the number of ingredients needed to fill your glass; one. They are also easy to pour straight from the bottle. But do they really satisfy your craving for a freshly made cocktail? If they do, AWESOME! If they don’t, then this Simply Perfect Margarita recipe with three ingredients is just what the tequila doctor ordered.

Simply Perfect Margarita Recipe

Simply Perfect Margarita

2 measures Reposado Tequila

1 measure Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 measure Agave Nectar

Lime Wedge Garnish

Margarita Salt

Edge half rim with lime and dip in salt. Chill until ready to use. Add liquids to cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into prepared cocktail glass. Serve on the rocks or straight up according to preference. Garnish with lime wedge.

Easy! The Simply Perfect Margarita recipe mixes super easy with divine taste results. It’s so satisfying you’ll want another before the frost on the glass dissipates.

The Intoxicologist is a blogger & corporate mixologist who creates and photographs the best cocktails and mixed drinks for home entertaining and bar use.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Fresh Fruit Margaritas

Regardless of the fact that tequila carries the bad boy rep of spirits, fresh fruit Margaritas happen to be one of the most popular drinks in the United States. Topping the list of favorite fresh fruit Margarita drinks are those flavored with fresh fruits such as strawberry and mango. But there are other fresh fruit flavors that draw a crowd. Join thirsty imbibers across the nation during National Margarita Day, February 22, by shaking, blending and muddling a fresh fruit Margarita of your own.

Blood Orange Margarita: Fresh Fruit Margarita with Blood Orange Liqueur, Tequila, Agave Nectar, Orange Juice, Key Lime Juice. – photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Blood Orange Margarita: Fresh Fruit Margarita with Blood Orange Liqueur, Tequila, Agave Nectar, Orange Juice, Key Lime Juice. – photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Blood Orange Margarita – Rose Bar, Plaza Hotel NYC

3/4 ounce Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur

1-1/2 ounce Premium Tequila

1/4 ounce Agave Nectar

1/2 ounce Fresh Orange Juice

Squeeze Fresh Key Lime

Salted Rim & Blood Orange Segment Garnish

Salt rim of rocks glass or chilled cocktail glass. Set aside. Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain over fresh ice in prepared rocks glass or strain into chilled cocktail glass depending upon preference. Garnish with segment of blood orange.

Apricot Margarita with Reposado Tequila, fresh apricots, sugar, lime juice and apricot nectar, blended with ice. – photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Apricot Margarita with Reposado Tequila, fresh apricots, sugar, lime juice and apricot nectar, blended with ice. – photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Apricot Margarita

4 ounces Reposado Tequila

1-1/2 cups Fresh Apricots

1/4 cup Sugar

4 ounces Fresh Lime Juice

4 ounces Apricot Nectar

Cut apricots in half and remove pit. Combine all ingredients in blender. Begin blending. Slowly add ice to desired consistency. Pour into chilled margarita glasses or cocktail glasses.

Watermelon Margarita: Fresh Fruit Margarita with Blanco Tequila, lime juice, agave syrup and fresh watermelon. – photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Watermelon Margarita: Fresh Fruit Margarita with Blanco Tequila, lime juice, agave syrup and fresh watermelon. – photo by Mixologist Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Watermelon Margarita

1-1/2 ounce Blanco Tequila

1/2 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Agave Syrup

5 chunks Watermelon

Watermelon Slice Garnish

Muddle watermelon chunks and agave syrup in cocktail shaker. Add remaining liquids with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with watermelon slice.

Find more traditional and fresh fruit Margarita variations and Tequila recipes in post by following the links.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

All content ©2013 Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist. All Rights Reserved. Chat with Cheri @Intoxicologist on Twitter and facebook.com/Intoxicologist or str8upcocktails@gmail.com

Mischievous Margarita

For those with mischievous plans and naughty deeds on the mind, Hornitos Tequila whips up the perfect Margarita for partying ‘til dawn in celebration of National Margarita Day.

Hornitos Bar - photo copyright Cheri LoughlinHornitos Margarita

1/2 part Hornitos Tequila

1/2 part Triple Sec

3 parts Sour Mix

Salt for rimming if desired

Lime Wedge Garnish

Rim rocks glass with lime.  Dip into rimming salt.  Set aside.  Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into salt rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice.  Garnish with lime wedge.

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.

Campari: Summer Classic

Campari truly is a classic with no need for review.  While this spirit is widely consumed overseas it is not as common in some areas of the country in the United States.  Campari might be one of those spirits sitting on the Campari Neat copyrigh Cheri Loughlinliquor store shelf that intrigues by its color, character, mystique and sexiness, but leaves the average American consumer bewildered as to what exactly to do with it in the field of cocktails.

One seems to have to acquire a taste for this particular aperitif/spirit.  Campari’s aroma is dry with barely there sweetness if any at all.  Orange spice definitely becomes prevalent.  The taste is sweet, medium in body and spicy with a dry finish and slight bitterness.  Campari is definitely not a spirit most American’s walk up to a bar and think of first off for summery cocktails on the rocks as they might a Mojito, Margarita or Cosmopolitan.  But, Campari’s unique characteristics enable classic and new style cocktail creation with outside the box thinking.  The spice tones create an excellent base for fresh orange and citrus cocktails.  Bitter chocolate becomes another possibility for this interesting spirit.

Campari Margarita copyright Cheri LoughlinCampari Margarita – ala Campari

1 ounce Campari

1-1/2 ounce Cabo Wabo Reposado Tequila

½ ounce Cointreau

1 ounce Lime Juice

Combine Campari, Cabo Wabo, Cointreau and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake.  Strain into a margarita or martini glass.

The Campari Margarita smells fabulous!  The reposado shines through distinctly in the aroma.  Flavor balance between all components is well done.  Rather than orange character, there are definite cherry notes in this cocktail.  The finish is particularly drying.

Rather than overlook a spirit on the shelf for lack of knowing just what to do with it, pick it up for purchase.  Taste it as is, try it as recommended by the spirit company and then do a little experimentation on your own.  After all, what is the worst that could happen?  There may be a trickle or two of liquid that may end up down the drain if experimentation goes awry.  In all honesty every trial and error becomes a new level of learning how spirits work together.  Campari is just one spirit that adds new dimension to the cocktail.

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.

Cucumberita

For those who prefer their margaritas on the lightly refreshing side: Tequila Cazadores Cucumberita.

Cucumber Ice Jar 600 - photo copyright Cheri LoughlinCucumberita

1-1/2 parts Tequila Cazadores Reposado

1-1/2 parts Sour Mix 

3/4 parts Triple Sec

1/4 cup Cucumber – sliced

Splash Lime Cordial

Splash Lemon Juice

Salt

Ice

Cucumber Wheel Garnish

Rim margarita glass with lime, dip in salt and set aside. Place remaining ingredients in blender with 8 to 12 ounces of ice. Blend until completely smooth. Pour into prepared margarita glass. Garnish with cucumber wheel.

Recipe provided by Tequila Cazadores representatives

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

All content ©2013 Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist. All Rights Reserved. Chat with Cheri @Intoxicologist on Twitter and facebook.com/Intoxicologist or str8upcocktails@gmail.com

Agavero Inspires Cocktails beyond Shots & Margaritas

February 22 is National Margarita Day. Since many have a love it or hate it view toward tequila as the hangover spirit it’s time to move that misconception to the sideline and show a softer, smoother side to the rowdy character of the agave plant.Lovers Margarita Outdoors - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Agavero Tequila Liqueur is an exceptionally smooth, ultra-premium spirit created from a blend of 100% blue agave anejo and reposado tequilas. The essence of Damiana flower enriches the character adding substance to the flavor profile. Rather than an earthy bitterness or bite in the taste, Agavero is smooth and delicately rich on the palate. It is sweet, yet not syrupy. Agavero seems to be the perfect combination of tequila and agave nectar with the lilt of floral Damiana. 

Agavero is produced at los Camichines Distillery in the Jalisco region of Mexico.  Only the finest 100% blue agave anejo and reposado tequilas are chosen to complement the essence of Damiana. These elements are combined and hand blended for the highest quality and taste.  Agavero Tequila Liqueur is bottled at 64 proof. It may be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a variety of cocktails that are only limited by your imagination.

The notion that tequila is somehow harsher than other liquors or possibly only good for shots or margaritas is clearly not the case. Agavero allows a wide variety of creative thought process to unfold while still allowing the richness of the agave plant to shine through without harshness.

Cozumel Cosmo – created by Cheri Loughlin

Cozumel Cosmo - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 measure Agavero

2 measures Vodka

3/4 measure Pomegranate Juice

1/2 measure Lime Juice

1/2 measure Pomegranate Liqueur

Lime Wheel Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with lime wheel.

Inspiration came from the Mexican Cosmo. Pomegranate Juice was put in place of Cranberry with Pomegranate Liqueur added. Imagine creating a tequila based Raspberry Lemon Drop using Limocello and Raspberry Liqueur!

Cortez’ Golden Gift – created by Cheri Loughlin

Cortez’ Golden Gift - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1-1/4 measure Agavero

1-1/4 measure Vanilla Liqueur

1-1/4 measure Half & Half

Build in a double old-fashioned glass over ice. Stir. Variation: 1 measure each Agavero and Vanilla Liqueur, 3/4 measure Tequila, 1-1/4 measure Half & Half.

The deep rich vanilla blends flawlessly with the delicate nature of Agavero. The use of Half & Half cuts the sweetness while keeping this a decadent dessert cocktail. An Espresso Vodka would also intertwine nicely within this mix. Adjust the ratios and make it your own.

Pineapple Pina – created by Cheri Loughlin

Pineapple Pina - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin5 Pineapple Chunks

1/2 measure Cassis Liqueur

3/4 measure Lemon Juice

1 measure Agavero

1-1/2 measure Pineapple Vodka

3-4 Pineapple Chunks Garnish

Muddle pineapple, cassis and lemon juice in bottom of cocktail shaker. Add Agavero and vodka with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with skewered pineapple chunks.

Fresh is best. Pineapple and tequila work amazingly well together. So does watermelon!

Lover’s Margarita – ala Agavero

Lovers Margarita - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 measure Agavero

1 measure Reposado Tequila

Splash Fresh Lime Juice

Salted Rim

Rim rocks glass with fresh lime and dip in salt if desired. Add fresh ice. Add Agavero and tequila. Stir. Double recipe and add two straws to share with a lover.

The Lover’s Margarita is simply unbeatable. Agavero adds dimension to the margarita that would not be there with one layering of tequila alone. It also rounds out the edges for a smooth finish. 

This goes to show how adaptable Agavero Tequila is as a spirit. It is excellent as the foundation or companion piece in a wide range of mixed drinks. Tequila no longer needs to be considered the ruthless, untamed spirit designed for shots and margaritas alone.

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