Tequila Day is on 24 July, and with this drink becoming meteoric in popularity, how could I not offer you not one, but two tequila cocktail recipes for this day – both from VIVIR!
VIVIR meaning ‘live’ in Spanish is produced in The Casa Maestri Distillery, one of most regarded Tequila distilleries in Mexico. They grow their own highland Weber Blue Agave and the water comes from a natural volcanic spring in the grounds of the distillery. They adopt traditional techniques to preserve customs and to take care of the local wildlife. The distillery also treats their farmers fairly and the team at VIVIR know that their agave is cared for by the same farmer as it matures.
The agave takes around eight to nine years to grow, once harvested, they are cooked in a clay oven for around four days, then the milling process extracts the agave syrup, which is then fermented and distilled in stainless steel stills. For the Blanco expression, the process is complete at this stage and for Reposado and Añejo, the liquid is transferred into Jack Daniel’s casks for aging. The resulting liquids have a strong agave profile, but are still very approachable, smooth, clean and crisp.
Blanco:
This award-winning Tequila Blanco is made from estate grown highland Weber Blue Agave in Jalisco, Mexico. Using traditional Hornos to cook the Agave it produces a smooth, clean and floral spirit. There are fresh aromas of Agave on the nose that follow through to the palate. A very easy drink premium Tequila that is great for sipping or having in a cocktail or with your favourite mixer. Goes particularly well with citrus tonics and soda.
Reposado:
Another award-winning Tequila from VIVIR. To produce their Tequila Reposado they age their Tequila Blanco for 6 months in American Oak bourbon casks to add maturity and complexity to its profile. It has earthy notes of Agave followed by tones of vanilla, caramel and melted butter. Perfect for sipping or in classic cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or Negroni. Also mixes particularly well with ginger ale.
Añejo:
This double gold star awarded Tequila Añejo from VIVIR is their Tequila Blanco aged for 18 months in American Oak bourbon casks. The Tequila maintains its Agave routes whilst bringing an amazing palate of smoky oak, burned bananas and chocolate. Fantastic for sipping neat or over ice.
El Sueño:
This flavoursome Mixto, has been created as a sustainable option, supportive of the environmental efforts on the ground in Mexico, but maintaining the high quality ingredients and production methods. It’s an affordable and sustainable alternative to 100% agave options.
Here are the cocktails!
VIVIR Picante
VIVIR Picante
Equipment
Ingredients
- 50 ml Vivir Tequila Reposado
- 30 ml Lime Juice
- 15 ml Agave SyrupÂ
- 3S Sprigs of Coriander
- 1 Red Jalapeno ChilliÂ
Instructions
- Muddle chilliand coriander in base of shaker.
- Add other ingredients and SHAKE with ice.
- FINE STRAINÂ into ice-filled glass.
- Garnish with a slice chilli pepper depending on strength!
Nutrition
VIVIR MARGARITA
VIVIR Margarita
Equipment
Ingredients
- 30 ml Vivir Tequila (Blanco/Reposado)
- 25 ml Lime Juice
- 20 ml Triple Sec
- 15 ml Agave SyrupÂ
- Salt Rim
- Slice of Lime to garnishÂ
Instructions
- Start by rimming your Margarita glass with salt. To do this, take a lime wedge and run it around the rim of the glass to moisten it. Then, dip the moistened rim into a plate of salt (or Tajin) until it is evenly coated.
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes. The ice will help chill the Margarita and dilute it slightly, making it smoother.
- Pour the Tequila, Cointreau/Triple Sec, freshly squeezed lime juice, and Agave syrup into the shaker. The Agave syrup can be adjusted to your preferred level of sweetness. If you like it less sweet, you can reduce the amount.
- Secure the lid on your cocktail shaker and give it a vigorous shake for about 10-15 seconds. This will ensure that all the ingredients are well mixed, and the drink becomes nice and cold.
- Using the strainer on the cocktail shaker, carefully pour the Margarita into your salt-rimmed glass. You can also add a few fresh ice cubes to the glass forextra chill.
- Add a lime wedge or wheel to the rim of the glass for a pop of colour and an extra burst of citrus aroma.