Cheers!

We figured that we were due for a Mixology Monday. Not that the Cinco de Mayo parties that will start this weekend have anything to do with that. Nope, that's our story. South of the Border-style cocktails are way more than just Margaritas, so let's discuss!

The Paloma

2 ounces blanco or reposado tequila
6 ounces fresh grapefruit soda
1/2 ounce lime juice
Salt for rimming (optional)

Rim a collins glass with salt.
Fill the glass with ice and add the tequila and lime juice.
Top it off with grapefruit soda.

For blanco, we have a great sale price now on the Patron Silver 1.75 liter, $75.99 in the Bottle Club®. Sauza 901 is also an outstanding choice. For a reposado, consider the Clase Azul.

Click here to get more detailed information about Patron Silver, Sauza 901 and Clase Azul. And click here to see about our Mexican beer selection.

The Chimayó Cocktail

1 1/2 ounces tequila
1 ounce unfiltered apple cider
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1/4 ounce creme de cassis
Apple slices for garnish

Build the ingredients in an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
Stir well.
Garnish with apple slices.
Sliced apples yellow very quickly and do not look the best as a garnish. To stop this, quickly dip your cut slices into a little lemon juice and shake off any excess.

Reposado Old-Fashioned

Here, a classic cocktail is re-imagined.

3 ounces reposado tequila (Clase Azul)
2 nectarine slices
2 bing cherries
1 Tablespoon agave nectar
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Bing cherry for garnish

In an old-fashioned glass add the cherries, nectarines, and agave nectar.
Muddle well, until ingredients are mixed well.
Fill the glass with ice cubes.
Add the tequila and stir well.
Garnish with a slice of nectarine and bing cherry.

Any of these cocktails can be scaled up to pitcher size, if you're hosting the party.