Your blogger loves a mixed metaphor as much as a mixed drink, and we certainly noticed the confluence of today's Cinco de Mayo festivities and Mother's Day. And if you're shopping for Mother's Day, click here for staff recommendations. We have suggestions on sparkling wine, whites, reds, and rose. Whether you're having brunch at home or you're going out to a favorite BYO, we have great selections for you.
If you're making margaritas for your Cinco party, we have plenty of Tequila choices for you, including 1800, Avion, Camarena, Don Julio, Hornitos, Kah, Siete Leguas and Milagro, along with Cuervo and Patron. Go old school with this traditional margarita recipe:
1 oz. Familia Camarena Reposado Tequila ($19.99 in the Bottle Club®)
2 oz. Freshly squeezed lime juice
½ oz. Orange liqueur
½ Cup ice (or more)
Salt
Lime wedge
Rub the rim of a chilled margarita glass with the lime and dip into salt to coat it. In a cocktail shaker, combine Familia Camarena Reposado Tequila and orange liquor lime juice and ice. Shake vigorously and strain drink into the garnished glass filled with ice.
You know the beer choices: Corona, Corona Light, Modello, Dos Equis, Presidente, Sol, Tecate, Victoria. We also stock several selections in the Bud Lite -Rita series.
Don't overlook the choices in the liqueur section. There are a number of cafe drinks that are perfect for after dinner, in coffee, baking, and anywhere your imagination takes you. We carry several Patron Cafe selections, as well as the new Cafe Del Mar ($13.97 in the Bottle Club®, 750ml). You don't even need it to be Cinco de Mayo to enjoy these. Café Del Mar is a blend of premium rum and coffee liqueur. This liqueur has flavors of roasted coffee beans, molasses, dark chocolate, and a touch of caramel. The taste is smooth coating the whole pallet with flavors, and a long pleasant finish.
With the chill we're currently experiencing, this Mexican Coffee recipe sounds about perfect:
1 oz. Café Del Mar Coffee Liqueur
1/2 oz. Tequila
5 oz. Hot Coffee
Stir in a coffee mug and then add coffee. Garnish with whipped cream and enjoy.
Please celebrate Cinco de Mayo responsibly.
Showing posts with label cinco de mayo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cinco de mayo. Show all posts
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Monday, April 27, 2015
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
1 Tequila, 2 Tequila, 3 Tequila...
Most weeks, we review a number of new products in our Wednesday post. However, since we're in Cinco de Mayo season, we thought we'd postpone new products until tomorrow, and discuss tequila today.
We know that lots of Margaritas will be made for Cinco de Mayo parties. Mixed drink or not, we always suggest using a quality tequila, which will maximize your enjoyment.
We start with Clase Azul, a tequila bottled in one of the most compelling packages anywhere. We carry the Plata and Reposado.
Each bottle of Clase Azul Tequila is literally touched by the human spirit. The love and nurturing our craftspeople put into producing Clase Azul starts in the agave fields and is continued through the bottling process where, in our own facility, each bottle is created by hand.
Inspired by traditional Mexican family values, we chose to produce all of our products in a small village that continues to thrive with our brands. And each bottle of Clase Azul is a work of art. Hand sculpted and individually painted, no two bottles are exactly alike.
All Clase Azul tequilas are produced from organic agaves that are grown to maturity for at least nine years before careful harvesting. Once the agave is harvested, we slow cook the hearts known as "piñas". During this process, piñas are steamed in brick ovens so their natural sugars come out. Additionally, the heat in the oven brings out the natural moisture in the piñas which is intentionally evaporated so we are able to cultivate the most desirable juices necessary for the next step. Once the most delicious flavors have come out in the piñas, they are crushed to extract the most exotic flavors which are then fermented using our proprietary yeast.
Plata is not aged and the natural colors that come from the slow cooking are filtered out prior to bottling in a stunning crystal clear bottle with blue accent at its base.
The Plata is an outstanding base for cocktails, like the El Burro:
2 oz. Clase Azul Plata
1 oz. fresh pressed lime juice
1 oz. ginger beer
Mix the ingredients, float a dash of bitters, garnish with grilled lime.
For many years, tequila connoisseurs have praised Clase Azul Reposado for its superior taste and stunning handmade decanter. By definition, reposado translates to "rested" or "calm" which can certainly influence the experience of sipping this particular Clase Azul which is aged in used American oak barrels for eight months after it has gone through the distillation process. Each bottle is made with high quality white ceramic and then hand painted by artisans in our bottling facility. Attention to detail comes second to none, which is evident when admiring what is considered an iconic bottle.
Sauza 901 Tequila. For a super smooth, triple-distilled premium tequila experience that is a cut above the rest. Every bottle of 100% agave Sauza® 901® is carefully crafted using only the finest blue weber agave. 140 years of tequila-making history and one of the greatest creators of our time come together for a distilling process as unique as the bottle in which it’s served.
The premium agave used to give Sauza® 901® Tequila its distinctive taste arrives at the distillery cleaned, cut and ready to be cooked. Each agave plant, also called a pine, weighs around 65 pounds.
During a visit to the tequila heartland of Jalisco, Mexico , Justin Timberlake was struck with the idea of connecting with his fans by uniting the passion he has for his craft with the art and dedication that goes into every bottle of premium tequila. He set out to tell the story in a way that fully embodies his creative and hardworking, yet easygoing lifestyle. The result is an incredibly smooth premium tequila named for the time when the night gets interesting - 9:01 p.m.
He turned to one of the largest and most storied tequila houses in Mexico – Sauza® Tequila - as a means to reach fans in the broadest way possible. The two icons joined forces to change the way people think about premium tequila with Sauza® 901® - creating a co-branded partnership and a one-of-a-kind spirit.
Patrón Silver. When you're looking for the brand that started the interest in high-end tequila, Patron is commonly cited. Using only the finest 100 percent Weber blue agave, Patrón Silver is handmade in small batches to be smooth, soft and easily mixable. A favorite of tequila connoisseurs worldwide, each bottle is individually crafted by a glass artisan and is hand-numbered for authenticity.
The Silver is crystal clear, with a nose of fresh agave with fruits and citrus. The taste is smooth and sweet, with more notes of fresh agave and citrus. The finish is highlighted with subtle peppery flavor.
Right now, we have an outstanding sale price on the Patrón Silver, 1.75 Liter size (you'll be making margaritas, after all). The Bottle Club® price is $75.99.
Patrón Silver also makes a great base for cocktails, like the Hermosa Sunset:
1 1/2oz Patrón Silver
1/2oz Patrón Citrónge
2oz pomegranate juice
1oz fresh lemon juice
1/2oz simple syrup
In an ice filled mixing glass add all ingredients; shake until well blended. Strain into an ice filled 14 oz. goblet. Garnish: Red currants.
We know that lots of Margaritas will be made for Cinco de Mayo parties. Mixed drink or not, we always suggest using a quality tequila, which will maximize your enjoyment.
We start with Clase Azul, a tequila bottled in one of the most compelling packages anywhere. We carry the Plata and Reposado.
Each bottle of Clase Azul Tequila is literally touched by the human spirit. The love and nurturing our craftspeople put into producing Clase Azul starts in the agave fields and is continued through the bottling process where, in our own facility, each bottle is created by hand.
Inspired by traditional Mexican family values, we chose to produce all of our products in a small village that continues to thrive with our brands. And each bottle of Clase Azul is a work of art. Hand sculpted and individually painted, no two bottles are exactly alike.
![]() |
| Plata |
Plata is not aged and the natural colors that come from the slow cooking are filtered out prior to bottling in a stunning crystal clear bottle with blue accent at its base.
The Plata is an outstanding base for cocktails, like the El Burro:
2 oz. Clase Azul Plata
![]() |
| Reposado |
1 oz. ginger beer
Mix the ingredients, float a dash of bitters, garnish with grilled lime.
For many years, tequila connoisseurs have praised Clase Azul Reposado for its superior taste and stunning handmade decanter. By definition, reposado translates to "rested" or "calm" which can certainly influence the experience of sipping this particular Clase Azul which is aged in used American oak barrels for eight months after it has gone through the distillation process. Each bottle is made with high quality white ceramic and then hand painted by artisans in our bottling facility. Attention to detail comes second to none, which is evident when admiring what is considered an iconic bottle.
Sauza 901 Tequila. For a super smooth, triple-distilled premium tequila experience that is a cut above the rest. Every bottle of 100% agave Sauza® 901® is carefully crafted using only the finest blue weber agave. 140 years of tequila-making history and one of the greatest creators of our time come together for a distilling process as unique as the bottle in which it’s served.
The premium agave used to give Sauza® 901® Tequila its distinctive taste arrives at the distillery cleaned, cut and ready to be cooked. Each agave plant, also called a pine, weighs around 65 pounds.
During a visit to the tequila heartland of Jalisco, Mexico , Justin Timberlake was struck with the idea of connecting with his fans by uniting the passion he has for his craft with the art and dedication that goes into every bottle of premium tequila. He set out to tell the story in a way that fully embodies his creative and hardworking, yet easygoing lifestyle. The result is an incredibly smooth premium tequila named for the time when the night gets interesting - 9:01 p.m.
He turned to one of the largest and most storied tequila houses in Mexico – Sauza® Tequila - as a means to reach fans in the broadest way possible. The two icons joined forces to change the way people think about premium tequila with Sauza® 901® - creating a co-branded partnership and a one-of-a-kind spirit.
Patrón Silver. When you're looking for the brand that started the interest in high-end tequila, Patron is commonly cited. Using only the finest 100 percent Weber blue agave, Patrón Silver is handmade in small batches to be smooth, soft and easily mixable. A favorite of tequila connoisseurs worldwide, each bottle is individually crafted by a glass artisan and is hand-numbered for authenticity.
The Silver is crystal clear, with a nose of fresh agave with fruits and citrus. The taste is smooth and sweet, with more notes of fresh agave and citrus. The finish is highlighted with subtle peppery flavor.
Right now, we have an outstanding sale price on the Patrón Silver, 1.75 Liter size (you'll be making margaritas, after all). The Bottle Club® price is $75.99.
Patrón Silver also makes a great base for cocktails, like the Hermosa Sunset:
1 1/2oz Patrón Silver
1/2oz Patrón Citrónge
2oz pomegranate juice
1oz fresh lemon juice
1/2oz simple syrup
In an ice filled mixing glass add all ingredients; shake until well blended. Strain into an ice filled 14 oz. goblet. Garnish: Red currants.
Monday, April 20, 2015
Cinco de Mayo Preview: Cerveza
Since we're about two weeks away from Cinco de Mayo, we thought this was a good time to (briefly) review the history of the holiday, and also review the excellent Mexican products that we have available.
Cinco de Mayo is observed to commemorate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín.
You already know about Corona and Dos Equis. We do have a number of other Mexican beers in stock.
Modelo Especial is a pilsner-style lager whose original recipe was first brewed in Mexico in 1925, under the vision to create a ‘model’ beer. Modelo Especial is made with filtered water, malted barley, hops, corn and yeast. Modelo Especial is a rich, full-flavored pilsner beer brewed with premium two-row barley malt that gives it a slightly sweet, well-balanced taste with a light hops character and crisp finish.
Negra Modelo has been brewed the same way since 1925. This Munich Dunkel (dark) style is characterized by its liberal use of roasted or toasted malts. The slow roasting of the malts alone makes the brewing process last twice as long as other beers, producing its signature reddish color and hint of sweetness. Negra Modelo is made with filtered water, malted barley, hops, rice and exceptional yeast varieties, which give way to the balanced flavor and remarkably smooth taste you can only find in a Negra Modelo. Hints of caramel sweetness and dark chocolate balance out this smooth, medium bodied beer.
Sol traces its roots to 1810. 300 years of thick Spanish beer. What a nightmare. Until in 1810 a Mexican, maverick priest, Father Hidalgo, put together a rag tag army and ignited the fire of revolution. Fast forward to 1899. Fresh, light, this beer was different. As if a message from deceased Father Hidalgo, a beam of light pierced through a hole in the brewery’s roof, illuminating its golden colour. They named it "El Sol".
Pacifico beer was first introduced to the US through California surfers. Many ventured into Baja Mexico, and tried this local beer in tiny cantinas. Bringing cases back home, these were the first importers of Pacifico. It’s quite light but has a great, crisp flavor that will quench your thirst any time of day, any time of year.
Tecate, the beer con carácter, brings a masculine wit to those everyday situations that call for character. Tastes best ice cold, with a lime and salt if you prefer. Tecate is also great to make your own micheladas.
Cinco de Mayo is observed to commemorate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín.
You already know about Corona and Dos Equis. We do have a number of other Mexican beers in stock.
Modelo Especial is a pilsner-style lager whose original recipe was first brewed in Mexico in 1925, under the vision to create a ‘model’ beer. Modelo Especial is made with filtered water, malted barley, hops, corn and yeast. Modelo Especial is a rich, full-flavored pilsner beer brewed with premium two-row barley malt that gives it a slightly sweet, well-balanced taste with a light hops character and crisp finish.
Negra Modelo has been brewed the same way since 1925. This Munich Dunkel (dark) style is characterized by its liberal use of roasted or toasted malts. The slow roasting of the malts alone makes the brewing process last twice as long as other beers, producing its signature reddish color and hint of sweetness. Negra Modelo is made with filtered water, malted barley, hops, rice and exceptional yeast varieties, which give way to the balanced flavor and remarkably smooth taste you can only find in a Negra Modelo. Hints of caramel sweetness and dark chocolate balance out this smooth, medium bodied beer.
Sol traces its roots to 1810. 300 years of thick Spanish beer. What a nightmare. Until in 1810 a Mexican, maverick priest, Father Hidalgo, put together a rag tag army and ignited the fire of revolution. Fast forward to 1899. Fresh, light, this beer was different. As if a message from deceased Father Hidalgo, a beam of light pierced through a hole in the brewery’s roof, illuminating its golden colour. They named it "El Sol".
Pacifico beer was first introduced to the US through California surfers. Many ventured into Baja Mexico, and tried this local beer in tiny cantinas. Bringing cases back home, these were the first importers of Pacifico. It’s quite light but has a great, crisp flavor that will quench your thirst any time of day, any time of year.
Tecate, the beer con carácter, brings a masculine wit to those everyday situations that call for character. Tastes best ice cold, with a lime and salt if you prefer. Tecate is also great to make your own micheladas.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Mixology Monday
David Rudd, Woodbridge Manager and resident mixologist, offers a margarita recipe that will improve your Cinco de Mayo parties.
This is a luxurious twist on the classic margarita: try mixing two measures of Camarena tequila with one measure each of Grand Marnier™ Raspberry Peach, fresh lime and simple syrup, shaken with ice and served up in a chilled martini glass for an elegant and fruity celebration this Cinco de Mayo.
With Cinco de Mayo coming up next week, we thought we'd add to David's recipe. May we suggest:
1.5 oz. Camarena Silver Tequila
3 oz. Lemon lime soda
Splash of cranberry juice
ice
Combine Camarena Silver Tequila with lemon lime soda in a rocks glass filled with ice. Add a splash of cranberry juice. Garnish with lemon or orange peel.
The next cocktail take a little Cinco de Mayo, and adds summertime.
1.5 oz. Herradura Silver
2 oz. Fresh Lemonade
1 oz. Pomegranate Juice
Combine ingredients in shaker, shake vigorously and strain into rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a squeeze of lime.
How about one more, but a little different? For the last cocktail, we're using Patrón XO Cafe. You'll find it on the shelves with the coffee and cream liqueurs, rather than with the tequilas.
2 oz Patrón XO Cafe
1 oz Maloney's Irish cream
Pour Patrón XO Cafe into a glass. Top off with Irish cream. You can even add a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy.
The Grand Raspberry Peach Margarita
This is a luxurious twist on the classic margarita: try mixing two measures of Camarena tequila with one measure each of Grand Marnier™ Raspberry Peach, fresh lime and simple syrup, shaken with ice and served up in a chilled martini glass for an elegant and fruity celebration this Cinco de Mayo.
With Cinco de Mayo coming up next week, we thought we'd add to David's recipe. May we suggest:
The Camarena Red Splash
1.5 oz. Camarena Silver Tequila
3 oz. Lemon lime soda
Splash of cranberry juice
ice
Combine Camarena Silver Tequila with lemon lime soda in a rocks glass filled with ice. Add a splash of cranberry juice. Garnish with lemon or orange peel.
The next cocktail take a little Cinco de Mayo, and adds summertime.
The Herradura Brisa
1.5 oz. Herradura Silver
2 oz. Fresh Lemonade
1 oz. Pomegranate Juice
Combine ingredients in shaker, shake vigorously and strain into rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a squeeze of lime.
How about one more, but a little different? For the last cocktail, we're using Patrón XO Cafe. You'll find it on the shelves with the coffee and cream liqueurs, rather than with the tequilas.
Patrón XO Cafe Mini Stout
2 oz Patrón XO Cafe
1 oz Maloney's Irish cream
Pour Patrón XO Cafe into a glass. Top off with Irish cream. You can even add a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy.
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