I’ve had a long-lasting love affair with Tequila ever since living in its native home and I learnt a thing or two about how best to enjoy the drink when you’re in company. Here are a few of my firm favourites, which will work like a charm for your charcoal fueled summer days.
1. Paloma
One of the most popular and beloved drinks in Mexico. You’ll be hard pushed to find a better match for Tequila than grapefruit.
Instructions: Use fizzy grapefruit juice, or a mix of soda water with grapefruit juice, 2 parts of either one to 1 part Blanco Tequila, and you’ll be well on your way to hosting the best barbecue of the season.
2. Sangrita
Not to be confused with a Sangria… This drink works for a full-on fiesta as well as laid back barbecue vibe, and are not to be confused with shots - although they are served in shot glasses. While your guests may be tempted to knock back these miniature drinks this is not how it’s done.
Mexicans have been drinking Sangrita to balance and enhance a quality Tequila for donkey’s years.
3. Baja Gold
This zingy cocktail is a dead cert to move the heat from the coals into the party.
Instructions: Serve the mix of pineapple juice, lime juice, agave syrup and lime wedges into a chilled Martini glass with a generous portion of your favourite reposado Tequila and just keep them coming!
4. Mexican Negroni
This is 2 parts Tequila, 1 part Campari and 1 part Martini, alongside 2 slices of orange. You can swap out the Campari for Aperol, and while it might be simple, it will probably be your go-to drink while you are turning the sausages...
5. Matador
Now this one is one of my personal favourites, in essence, it is basically a pineapple Margarita, but use lemon instead of lime and a reposado Tequila along with your pineapple juice.
The Matador will give a tropical touch to any outdoor affair, and goes perfectly with spicy charred meats. For me, it is the hero of the summer.
6. Cucumber Margarita
Instructions: Liquidate your cucumber, and add in a jalapeno pepper for a little kick. Then add lime juice, a generous supply of premium silver Tequila and honey or syrup to taste. Salt the rim of your glasses, and serve with a curl of cucumber on top.
For something slightly unique replace the sweet element with elderflower cordial, creating a more dynamic flavour to what is already the most refreshing drink on the menu.
7. Frozen Tequila Sunrise
This is such a popular and eye-popping choice, that I’m upping the recipe here so it will serve about 6 people. Let’s be honest you won’t be making just one of these.
Instructions: So take 1 cup of Tequila, 1/3 cup of triple sec, 2/3 cup of orange juice and blend together with crushed ice (the ice and triple sec should be in roughly the same quantity). Now pour half a finger of grenadine into each Highball glass you’re serving in and pour your frozen mixture over the top.
The golden orange and red mix together as the slushy drink melts creating a vibrant touch to any summer soiree, and remember not to stir for the best visual effect.
Berries or ginger go great with the orange flavour too, so feel free to add an extra dimension with a berry liqueur, or grated ginger in your mix. Oh, and instead of using lime to salt the rim of your glass, use grenadine on the rim to turns the salt a vibrant red; your guests are sure to be impressed.
8. Chimayo Cocktail
Not heard of apple and Tequila? Well, you’re about to wish you’d known about this drink a long time ago. Legend has it this recipe was dreamt up when a Mexican restaurateur found himself with too many apples.
Instructions: Take your usual crushed ice and freshly squeezed lime juice and add half a cup of apple cider and a good slosh of golden Tequila. Add a spoon or two of creme de cassis, raspberry liqueur or blackcurrant syrup and then drop in an apple twist or slices to garnish.
Which are your go-to cocktails for long summer days, and which of the list are you going to sample at your next barbecue? Let us know in the comments below.