With spring in the air and warmer weather upon us, let’s drink some seasonal tequila cocktails. Many people associate tequila with warmer weather – cue the margarita – and put the spirit away during winter months. That’s a shame, of course, as reposado and anejo tequilas can warm even the coldest and most sober soul on a frigid winter day.
But no matter; to celebrate the onset of spring, we present a trio of seasonal tequila cocktails. Each comes courtesy of Excellia Tequila, a 100% agave tequila from the highlands of Jalisco. And each features the brand’s reposado tequila, which is aged in Cognac and Sauternes casks and makes for some interesting mixing.
West of East India Cocktail (pictured)
1¼ oz Excellia Reposado
1½ oz fino sherry
¾ oz Pedro Ximenez sherry
½ oz amaro nonino
½ oz falernum syrup
3 dashes chocolate-mole bitters
Stir all ingredients with ice, and strain into a cocktail glass. Express lemon oils, and garnish with the peel.
Note – The West of East India Cocktail is an original drink from NYC bar, Mayahuel.
Aguamiel
2 oz Excellia Reposado
1 ½ oz fresh-pressed apple juice
¼ oz raspberry liqueur
¼ oz Creme de Cassis
Build over ice in an old-fashioned glass and stir. Garnish with a lemon peel.
Sparkling Margarita
1 oz Excellia Reposado
1 oz Esprit de June liqueur
2/3 oz fresh yuzu juice
2/3 oz fresh pear juice
Champagne
Stir first four ingredients with ice, then pour into a Champagne flute. Top with Champagne and garnish with fresh lychee or mango.
