I don’t drink a lot of mixed drinks but I do like tequila. It is, of course, the star of my favorite drink, a margarita. I also love it in a delicious Bloody Maria. Now, disclaimer, I am no mixologist. I’m just a girl in a kitchen trying to make something that tastes yummy.
So, first, the tequila. I tend to be middle shelf. I want a tequila that tastes good and is smooth but I’d like to keep the price tag in the $20 range.
Lunazul Blanco
To that end, one tequila I like is Lunazul Blanco. It is smooth and unaged, pure agave flavor. You can use it in cocktails or on the rocks. And it is about $20 bucks for a 750ml bottle.
Campo Reposado
Another one I like is Mi Campo Reposado. It is a 100% blue agave tequila that is aged over three months in California wine barrels. This results in a smoother and more complex flavor profile than other tequila’s in this price range. It is a little pricier but still under $30.
Tres Agaves Organic Blanco Tequila
Tres Agaves Blanco is unaged and organic, 100% agave tequila. It is Blue Weber agave, which is grown and harvested by a single source and then fermented and distilled. This is one of the most awarded organic tequilas on the market and comes in under the $30 price tag.
Espolon Tequila Reposado
Espolon Tequila Reposado is a smooth golden tequila with notes of vanilla, agave, and salted carmel. It is another delicious choice that comes in under $25.
The Cocktails
First up is a delicious strawberry margarita. This is one of my all time favorites.
Frozen Strawberry Margarita
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries
- 1-1/2 oz. tequila
- 3 tbsp. lime juice
- 1 tbsp. triple sec (or orange juice concentrate)
- 2 tsp. sugar or simple syrup
- 1 cup ice cubes
- sugar (or salt/sugar mix) for rim
- lime wedge
Instructions
- Blend strawberries, tequila, lime juice, triple sec or orange juice, and sugar or simple syrup in blender to combine. Add ice cubes and blend on high until ice is crushed approximately 15 seconds.
- Rub lime wedge around the rim of a glass. Spread sugar or salt/sugar mix onto a plate. Rub lime wedge around rim of glass. Dip wet rim into sugar.
- Pour margarita into the glass and garnish with lime slice and strawberry if desired.
Next is quick and easy and always delicious!
Frozen Limeade Margarita
Ingredients
- 1 can frozen limeade
- 6 oz. tequila
- 2 oz. of triple sec or 2 tbsp. orange juice concentrate
- lime wedge
- salt
- 4 cups ice
Instructions
- Fill blender with ice. Add limeade, tequila, and triple sec or orange juice and blend until ice is crushed.
- Place salt on a plate. Rub rim with lime wedge and dip glass into salt. Pour in margarita.
Finally, on the savory side, a spicy Bloody Maria.
Bloody Maria
Ingredients
- 46 oz. tomato juice
- 4 tbsp. lime juice
- 3 tbsp. juice from jarred jalapeno slices
- 3 tbsp. cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp. sugar
- 2 tsp. prepared horseradish
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1/8 tsp. onion powder
- pinch of garlic powder
- 16 oz. tequila
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients and shake well. Serve over ice. Garnish with jalapenos or celery or whatever you like in your Blood Mary or Maria.
Enjoy responsibly!
