3 Course cocktails: Cinco de Mayo Especial

So today is Cinco de Mayo, as my other post quite proudly announced, and this means tequila and corona should be the order of the day. Corona & Lime really does not do it for me, and let’s be honest it’s not really a cocktail (although some people I know would swear the opposite).

So this 3 course cocktail post shall be all about that fantastic Mexican Spirit: Tequila!!!

Let’s get started: My starter is an underrated cocktail, often confused with a tequila shot. I absolutely hate it when people refer to the tequila shot using this cocktails name:

Starter

Tequila Slammer

2 measures Tequila

2 measures Soda Water

Strictly NO ice

Gently pour in the Tequila into a rocks glass. Then pour in the soda water. Cover with a napkin and your hand and then slam on the bar/table (be very careful not to smash the glass!) and drink down.

The best thing about this recipe is that you can use any carbonated drink (so to make it more to your tastes you could use lemonade or 7up). For a very special slammer use Champagne and have a ‘Slammer Royale’ of ‘Golden Slammer’.

Main Course

Paloma Brava

50ml Reposado Tequila

Pinch of salt

Juice of 1 lime

Juice of 1 small orange

Juice of 1 small grapefruit

100ml Grapefruit Soda

Agave nectar to taste

Lime wheel for garnish…

This cocktail takes a bit of preparation, but it is worth the pay-out. Fill a glass mug with ice, add the salt, juices & tequila and stir. Top up with grapefruit soda and add Agave Nectar to your own preferred taste. Use the lime wheel to garnish.

(Picture & recipe obtained fromhttp://drinks.seriouseats.com/2011/05/ten-tequila-drinks-we-love-cocktails-margaritas-paloma-recipes.html)

This menu offers two choices for desserts:

A fruity choice and a chocolate-y choice…

Dessert:

Tangerine-Ginger Margarita

4 slices of ginger

4 slices of tangerine

50ml Silver (Blanco) Tequila

25ml Agave Nectar

25ml Fresh Lime Juice

50ml Pomegranate juice

This recipe does take a lot of preparation, but like the main course it is worth the pay-out.

Muddle the ginger, then add the tangerine and muddle again. Add in the rest of the ingredients and shake well for 15-20 seconds. Serve straight where required but to serve frappe; just strain over crushed ice in a cocktail glass. Garnish with some pomegranate seeds.

Chilli & Chocolate Margarita (serves 4)

½ cup chocolate syrup

1 cup silver (Blanco) tequila

½ cup Mozart chocolate liqueur

1/3 cup double cream

1/3 orange liqueur/triple sec

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Garnish:

1 tablespoon shaved Mexican dark chocolate

Chocolate syrup

1 teaspoon diced chilli

Combine all the ingredients (except the chilli) in a pitcher and shake up the mixture in two batches. Before pouring, rim the glasses with chocolate syrup and shaved Mexican dark chocolate.

Pour In the mixture and garnish with a chocolate covered whole red/green chilli.

Also sprinkle on some of the diced chilli (opposite to the colour of the whole chilli).

Seeing as it is Cinco de Mayo and this is a Cinco de Mayo special, this post would not be complete without the classic Mexican spirit sampling board… My local Mexican Bar & Grill (chiquito) offers a selection of tequila’s for a fairly reasonable price but I have something a little different to suggest. It will be expensive sure, but if you split it between a few of your friends then this could fast become a very reasonable way of testing out some great tequila’s…

The Fervent Shaker Tequila Sampling Selection:

A collection of 5 of the finest tequila’s available on the UK market…

Tequila no.1: Cazadores Reposado

 

A 100% Blue Agave ‘rested’ tequila, with a very deep aroma; it is rather pricey but worth the cost.

Fun fact: “The fermentation process takes 2-3 times longer than most producers because no sugars or yeast is added.”

http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=4724

Tequila no.2: Gran Centenario Reposado

 

A rather unknown, but none-the-less fantastic tequila worth your time!

Fun Fact: “The Tequila is rested in never before used French limousine oak barrels for optimum flavour…”

http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=1049

Tequila no.3: Sauza Hornito’s Reposado

 

With a whole host of flavours ranging from Apples & Peaches to Salt & pepper, this tequila is one you just have to try!

Fun Fact: ”This unique Reposado has reduced contact with wood, giving it a paler colour and livelier agave taste than other Reposado tequila’s…”

http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=860

Tequila no.4: Jose Cuervo 1800 Silver

 

This is the only Silver tequila on my list and it is arguably one of the best silver tequila’s ever made. With a delicate and smooth flavour and an aroma that includes agave, floral notes and a slight fruitiness; this tequila sure does pack a punch. Perfect with a slice of orange and a splash of cinnamon!

Fun Fact: “This is the world’s only super-premium, 100% Blue Agave silver Tequila.”

http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=5078

 

Tequila no.5: Don Alvaro Anejo

 

This is arguable the best tequila on this list, and is aged for a minimum of 5 years in oak barrels. Sporting a rich golden colour and giving off hints of caramel, chocolate and agave this tequila is not out of its depth weighing in among the elite!

Fun Fact: “This Tequila is certified Organic, giving it that little bit of extra ‘good karma’ for the seasoned tequila drinker…”

http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/nlpdetail.php?prodid=6670

These tequilas are what I consider some of the best ‘under £40’ tequila’s available! Whilst they are expensive and to buy every bottle on this list would set you back near on £200, they are fantastic and split the difference between you and your friends and they become reasonably priced. Try all of them with a selection of citrus fruits, soft fruits (like peaches and apples), cinnamon, pineapple and (if you’re one for danger) try a variety of chilli peppers too! All these additions help bring out the tequila’s flavours and help you enjoy them more!

A list for all them can be found here on the drinkshop.com:

http://www.thedrinkshop.com/products/productlist.php?catid=78

If you find that even these are a little out of your prices range, why not just pop along to your local supermarket/spirit wholesalers and just grab a bottle or two of anything you like the look of? When sampling remember: Use citrus or soft fruits as well as cinnamon/chilli depending on your tastes, as this helps bring out the flavours of the tequila. Also remember that Anejo or Reposado (rested/aged) – basically any ‘gold’ – tequila’s will pack more flavour than silver, but silver tequila’s do tend to mix better and are generally smoother…

I hope you like this slightly longer ‘especial’ 3 course cocktail blog, but please remember to drink responsibly!