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Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, and Glendora, Calif. – April 16th, 2018 – Azuñia Tequila*, a premium, organic, estate-crafted tequila and exclusive U.S. export of Agaveros Unidos de Amatitán has formed an alliance with Total Beverage Solution (TBS) of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina to manage the fast-growing brand’s national expansion throughout the U.S. Market. Through the arrangement, Total Beverage Solution will add all Azuñia products to their current robust inventory of brands for sale and distribution throughout the Midwestern, Southern and East Coast Markets.

“With Azuñia experiencing record growth in the West, and with increasing demand for our pure, authentic premium products, partnering with Total Beverage Solution to maximize a truly national presence was the next logical step in our nine-year evolution,” said Joe Giansante, Managing Director of Azuñia. “By working with an established and capable, full-service supplier like Total Beverage Solution, led by high character, industry veterans who share our beliefs and values, we are truly excited about the platform for growth and working with TBS to solidify our brand’s position as the leader in sustainably farmed, organic, authentic tequila.”

Azuñia’s U.S. distribution began in California and has since grown quickly to other western states including Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona, and Colorado. In the last two years, Azuñia has moved into Texas, and Florida and other states on a limited basis through a partnership with Landry’s, Inc. The partnership with TBS will expand the top shelf tequila’s availability to New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Washington D.C., the Mid-Atlantic states the South, Illinois, and the Midwest.

“We are excited to bring Azuñia’s high-quality tequila to our customers. Azuñia’s authenticity is evident in the flavor of its products, and we’re eager to add an Estate grown, organic tequila to our portfolio.” explained Dave Pardus, CEO of Total Beverage Solution.

The tequila brand offers four styles: USDA-Certified Organic Blanco, USDA-Certified Organic Reposado, Añejo, and Azuñia Black, its 2-year Extra Aged, Special Reserve Añejo. Each style showcases the crest of its second-generation, family-owned-and-operated Rancho Miravalle estate, which has created exceptional tequila for over 20 years on every label.

Azuñia joins other outstanding spirits in TBS’ portfolio, including cocktail essentials Amaro Montenegro, Select Aperitivo, Limoncello di Capri and Ron Abuelo. Azuñia tequila will soon be available nationwide through Total Beverage Solution’s distributing partners. For samples or more information contact [email protected].

About Azuñia Tequila

Azuñia is smooth, clean craft tequila with authentic flavor from the local terroir in every sip. It is the exclusive export of Agaveros Unidos de Amatitán and its second-generation, family-owned-and-operated Rancho Miravalle estate, which has created exceptional tequila for over 20 years. Made with 100% pure Weber Blue Agave grown in dedicated fields of the Jalisco Valley, we harvest by hand and roast the organic agave in traditional clay hornos to ensure authenticity and depth of flavor. We then finish with a natural, open-air fermentation process and bottle onsite in small batches using a consistent process to deliver field-to-bottle quality. For more info, please visit www.azunia.com.

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and on the web at Azunia.com.

About Total Beverage Solution:

Total Beverage Solution has earned a reputation for the company’s market expertise and proven sales results by creating value and demand for exceptional brands. Total Beverage Solution provides full-service front and back of house support dedicated to helping both foreign and domestic alcohol brands enter and navigate the US beverage market. For more visit: www.totalbeveragesolution.com

*Please drink responsibly.

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It’s no surprise that we love ginger. It isn’t the first time we’ve written about our love affair with the spicy herb root. We’ve also openly proclaimed our love for everything citrus. And you know how we feel about tequila. Can you fathom how crazy mad our love would be if we put citrus in ginger cocktails? No need to wonder. We compiled a list of the 5 most real expressions of citrus and ginger cocktails so that you can see what all the hype is. Cheers!

The Ginger and Citrus Love Story

Amatitán Mule
Once upon a time, there was an oddly shaped root and a bright green citrus. They met in a copper mug and created the Moscow Mule. Sparks flew. And then they decided that they needed to spice things up a bit. So they swapped out the vodka for tequila and in this version, the Amatitán Mule, they added Gentleman Jack. The ginger and citrus spark may have been lit in the original Mule, but in the Amatitán Mule, it’s kismet.

Gingerbread Martini
The holidays come and go, but that doesn’t mean we stop celebrating citrus ginger cocktails like the Gingerbread Martini. Azuñia Reposado organic tequila and real ginger syrup dance with the citrus notes of Tuaca, an Italian Brandy in this beautifully choreographed cocktail. Mix one tonight and taste love.

Open Sesame
Consider this citrus and ginger cocktail a hidden treasure worthy of moving boulders. The words “Open Sesame” may not actually move mountains, but the cocktail of the same name is magic in a glass. Sesame infused Azuñia Reposado organic tequila, and Madeira wine complement ginger syrup and yuzu, a crisp Japanese citrus.

Silk Road
We love herbaceous drinks, and the Silk Road takes herbaceous and adds a little ginger and citrus fire. Cilantro takes center stage, but ginger and citrus play pivotal roles in this delightful drink. Azuñia Reposado organic tequila, tart pineapple juice, and muddled cilantro mixed with fresh lime and ginger syrup make a new spin.

Grapefruit Gingerade Kombucha Mocktail
Not every drink has to have alcohol to make the list of ginger cocktails we love. If you’re looking for a fresh start in the a.m. or looking to detox from your weekend indulgences, try the Grapefruit Gingerade Kombucha Mocktail from AG Taste of Wellbeing. We have fallen head over heels for this fresh grapefruit, gingerade, mint and kombucha in this sparkly anytime libation.

We All Love Ginger and Citrus

Not everyone wants ginger cocktails to be the star of their drink menus. If you’re someone who only likes the tequila part of the drinks we just gushed about, cruise on over to our cocktail recipes. We’re confident we’ve got a recipe for you.

Let’s get social. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Pick up a Bottle

You can find Azuñia tequilas at fine restaurants, bars, and retailers across the country.

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Whether you belt it out with pride or roll your eyes in disgust, there’s no doubting that most people know the choral sing-along “The 12 Days of Christmas” by heart. The song has been around for decades. Literally. The first known reference to the song dates back to 1780, which means we’ve sung it for a lot of Christmases. Thanks to over-eager retailers and people seeking a little holiday cheer, we start singing about drummers, partridges, and swans before we even carve the Thanksgiving Day turkey and indulge in winter holiday cocktails.

But First, What are the 12 Days of Christmas

Technically (historically) speaking, the Christmas season starts on December 25^th and runs for 12 days through January 6^th. For Christians, this period is the time between the birth of Christ and the arrival of the three wise men. Whether Eastern or Western Christianity, Latin Antiquity, or modern customs, the 12 days are acknowledged and celebrated with different traditions – feasting, merriment and gift giving. One could make the (8 lords-a-leaping) leap that the song lyrics represent gifts given throughout the 12 days, with each one getting increasingly more lavish.

While we can’t deliver turtle doves, golden rings, or milking maids, we can offer you 12 winter holiday cocktails inspired by that (in)famous Christmas song.

My True Love Gave to Me, 12 Winter Holiday Cocktails

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a We Make a Nice Pear. Azuñia Reposado organic tequila, cognac, spiced pear, fresh lemon, and honey simple syrup are spritzed with absinthe in this intoxicating elixir. With winter holiday cocktails as delicious as this, we definitely want to be on Santa’s nice list.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 2 Greater Roadrunners. We created this smoky concoction out of our love for the Sonoran Desert, a truly spectacular place in the winter. It combines Azuñia Reposado organic tequila, Orange Curacao, mesquite honey syrup, fresh lemon, and finished with AZ Sunshine bitters. Will all of this deliciousness fit in our stocking?

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 3 Gardens of Mayahuel. Born in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, the Garden of Mayahuel is a colorful delight. Azuñia Blanco organic tequila and French liqueur are mixed with a fresh juice made of apples, ginger, and cilantro, and sweetened with simple syrup. New Orleans’ French75, the bar that serves this cocktail daily, balances the sweet with the savory using oregano and fresh black pepper. No gift-wrap needed.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 4 Birds of Paradise. Calling birds were actually colly, or black birds. It’s not that we’re opposed to the boisterous raven-colored birds, we just prefer the whimsy of the bright colored flower as represented in this cocktail. Azuñia Black tequila, Mestizo Añejo, Cruzan Black Strap, and Bruto Americano make the base of the Peter Barriga specialty drink. Add in charcoal simple syrup, tamarindo syrup, and fresh pineapple and lime juice to finish it off. The pineapple leaf and flower garnish make the perfect bow.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, FIVE GOLDEN RINGS. Yes, it’s obligatory that we belt that out in unison. The only thing that butters a person up better than rings is a golden winter holiday cocktail. The Butter Me Up is a velvety concoction of Azuñia Añejo tequila and rum with hot-buttered batter and vanilla cardamom whipped cream. We suggest serving up a few mugs of these before you head out caroling. People still carol, right?

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 6 Pumpkin Lattes. Never mind the geese-a-laying, the Pumpkin Latte is a creamy drink made from Azuñia Reposado organic tequila, ginger liqueur, real pumpkin puree, heavy cream and egg white. Being that we start celebrating Christmas from the moment the first leaves start to change colors, pumpkin holiday cocktail recipes should definitely be a “thing”. Serve alongside a giant slice of pumpkin pie to double up the holiday cheer.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 7 Souled Out cocktails. The black swan of cocktails, the Souled Out is a unique variation of a tequila negroni created by Jasmine Garcia, an expert mixologist. Made with Azuñia Black, 2-year Extra Aged Special Reserve Añejo tequila, Aveze Gentian, Royal Combier, and Piri Piri Tincture, this drink stands out amongst the other holiday cocktail recipes. A couple of these cocktails might put us on the naughty list. But it would so be worth it.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 8 Sherry-Tequila Eggnog cocktails. Is there anything that tastes more like Christmas than eggnog? Not in our recipe book. And this milky libation is no exception. Homemade eggnog, sherry, and Azuñia Añejo tequila get a sprinkling of seasonal spice – nutmeg. Might we suggest leaving one of these on Santa’s cookie plate?

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 9 Cynar Margaritas. A blush colored rose served as the inspiration for this cocktail created by Trial and True. Azuñia Blanco organic tequila, Cynar, and orange bitters dance together with Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur and muddled sugar and lime. If we had to imagine the classical holiday ballet “The Nutcracker” as a cocktail, it would be this. Excuse us while we close our eyes and dream of the Land of the Sweets, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Clara as we drink.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 10 Adonis Chariots. Adonis was a Greek God, but we’d like to think in a different era he’d be a leaping lord holding court. Strong and well structured, Adonis Chariot is a bold combination of Azuñia Reposado organic tequila, Sherry, Spanish Vermut, enhanced with orange bitters. It will give you a little extra muscle to put together all those toys Christmas morning.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 11 Picked Peppers for the Lemon Hills cocktail. This herbaceous drink is a real pied piper – a charismatic cocktail wooing you from across the bar. Azuñia Blanco organic tequila, mezcal, gin, Yellow Chartreuse, bell pepper syrup, orange bitters, and muddle basil create a beautiful symphony. Stir one up and gather ’round the fire for a re-telling of “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

On the twelfth night of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 12 drummers drinking Añejo Old Fashioneds. In our opinion, the best nightcap is simple, unfussy, and traditional. The Añejo Old Fashioned is all that plus a little class. Azuñia Añejo tequila, Angostura Bitters, and sugar over ice and a citrus garnish are the only ingredients in this refined drink. Pah-rum-pum-pum-pum.

We Wish You a Happy Holidays

Thank you for joining us for all 12 or Winter Holiday Cocktails. We’ve enjoyed singing along with you. From all of us at Azuñia, we wish you a bright and happy holiday season full of good tidings, cheer, and tequila. ¡Salud!

Tequila. Everyone knows how the song goes. And most everyone knows how to make a margarita with their favorite tequila. Maybe you’ve even tried your hand at some of the tequila drink recipes on our site. But have you tried cooking with tequila? (Mind blown, right?)

Having a bottle (or two) of tequila on hand for your kitchen could help you spruce up some of your favorite recipes.

While sipping a little añejo (neat, of course), we’ve muddled over a few favorite recipes ideas and shared them here.

Marry Your Meat to Your Tequila Marinade

No matter what protein you prepare, drenching your chicken, seafood or beef in a little tequila marinade is always a delicious idea. Squeeze some limes in tequila for a simple and tasty fish and shrimp marinade. Chop up some fresh garlic, zesty cilantro, and cumin and add it to the tequila-lime base to spice it up. This combo works well on heartier meat, like steak, and gives your barbecue a unique bite.

Now that we’ve dropped “the base,” I know you’ll find countless ways to turn up your Friday (or any day) dinners.

Tequila Desserts: Baked in Goodness

The tequila plus lime equation works to make some amazing sweet treats too. Imagine (close your eyes for this) a moist key lime cupcake with a tart tequila-lime frosting. Or a delicious layer cake made with lime-infused oil and a shot of tequila folded into the batter.

Or for the chocolate lover in all of us, try Hibiscus and Dark Chocolate Tequila Truffles. Oh, yes we did.

You can’t go wrong when starting with a good, 100 percent agave tequila. So, tie on your apron (please tell us it says “Kiss the Cook”), sprinkle on the sugar, splash in the tequila (maybe a little in your glass, too), and get creative!

Tequila Hot Sauce (Not in Prairie Fire Form)

Brutal day at work? You need a happy hour, stat! And chips and salsa make happy hour happier. First, buy a bundle of fresh peppers (banana, jalapeno, or even ghost if you dare) at the local farmer’s market or grocery store. Then, smoke, roast, or bake them to make the base for a deliciously spicy hot sauce.

Take it to the next level with a little dash of tequila and zest of lime. Add salt to taste (just a pinch). These pure flavors will bring out the natural aromas and heat of the chilies.

Your tequila hot sauce is the perfect complement to your favorite tortilla chips (which, of course, pair perfectly with a margarita). It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.

Tequila Hot-Hot-Hot Chocolate

If you live in a hot climate, you might think we’re crazy for suggesting hot chocolate. But there is a reason why cultures in the hottest locations on earth eat hot and spicy foods. So, hear me out.

A steamy mug filled with Mexican hot chocolate and topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream is a delicious, lazy afternoon favorite. 

Here’s the tequila tip on this one: Mix freshly shaved semisweet chocolate, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla to make the foundation for this sweet and spicy cup of goodness. Warm the necessary ingredients in a saucepan, then add the heat with a splash of the good tequila and a dash of cayenne pepper. Now, this is a luxurious indulgence that will warm you from the inside out.

Have you tried cooking with tequila?

We’ve shown you ours. Now show us yours.

If you’ve tried cooking with tequila, tell us about it.  Snap a retweet-worthy pic, give us a follow on your favorite social media channel, and hashtag #azuniatequila. You might see your tequila recipe on our Insta. 

Cheers to happy eats!

The dynamic mother / daughter duo at Trial and True created a delicious Tommy’s Margarita using Azuñia Blanco organic tequila. The Tommy’s Margarita is a simple cocktail that allows the flavor and essence of the tequila to take center stage. The first Tommy’s was first mixed in the 1990s by Julio Bermejo of Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco. Trial and True kept true to the original recipe, using Blanco organic tequila, the juice of key limes, and simple syrup. It’s a fresh and simple margarita to enjoy with any meal.

Pick up a Bottle

You can find Azuñia tequilas at fine restaurants, bars, and retailers across the country.

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If you’ve never lived in Arizona, then you might not know the concept of the 5 “C”s of the desert state’s economy or how they relate to the Roadrunner cocktail. Cattle, copper, cotton, citrus, and climate were historically considered the pillars of Arizona’s success. There was a time when there were 1.4 million more cows than people in the state. The copper mining industry was drawing people to relocate to Arizona over 60 years ago now. And, while the fields of cotton have diminished, there are still hundreds of thousands of acres of the natural resource in the state.

Your mind may travel to Florida or California when it comes to the source of citrus, but Arizona was and still is, a formidable contender of the US citrus production. From long ago to today, there’s no doubt that the desert climate is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the state. Just as it was then, the warm sunshine and mild winters still draw people to set up homes in Arizona.

So How Does This Relate to the Roadrunner Cocktail?

A brief social studies lesson isn’t necessary to extol the virtues of the Grand Canyon state. But it doesn’t hurt. In addition to the 5 C’s, the Grand Canyon (and two other National Parks), big colleges and out-of-this-world golf resorts, Arizona has many things that represent the state and its people.

Technically, the state bird is the Cactus Wren, but can you think of a more Arizona-symbolic bird than the Greater Roadrunner? We can’t, which is why we named our homage to the great state of Arizona, the Greater Roadrunner cocktail. A Sonoran Desert celebrity, the Greater Roadrunner, is fast and spunky, known in cowboy fables for picking fights with rattlesnakes (and winning).

That description aptly sums up this road runner cocktail created in conjunction with the Arizona-based AZ Bitters Lab. The base of the Roadrunner cocktail is Azuñia Reposado organic tequila. Layer in one of the “C”’s, citrus, with Orange Curacao and fresh lemon. Add a little smoke with mesquite honey syrup. And finish it with the climate-controlled AZ Sunshine Bitters. No sunscreen required.

This smoky, coppery colored concoction, garnished with a dehydrated orange wheel, perfectly captures the essence of the state.

How to Make the Greater Roadrunner Cocktail

 

Your Mixologist

This cocktail was created by Azuñia’s Sales Manager and Chief Mixologist, Kailee Asher. Look for more of her craft cocktail creations on Instagram.

Pick up a Bottle

You can find Azuñia tequilas at fine restaurants, bars, and retailers across the country.

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It doesn’t take a complicated cocktail to entice your patrons to order another round. People want simple, fresh drinks that complement any meal. Easy, organic, and with fewer calories is a win for everyone.

You’ve put so much thought, care and effort in to creating the right vibe for your bar or restaurant, shouldn’t your drinks speak the same language?

Farm-to-Table is Spilling Over from the Kitchen to the Bar. 

The Azuñia Organica, our honest expression of the organic skinny margarita, embodies this shift in the food and beverage industry. The Organica is honestly authentic, and like the agave it’s made from, is 100% organic.

What does this mean? The Organica enhances any menu — from a hip health-conscious vegan spot, to an all-sustainable dinner dive, to a traditional Tex-Mex locale.

This Azuñia Organica is better than any other skinny margarita. Why?

• Made with Azuñia 100% pure Blue Weber agave tequila
• Azuñia Blanco and Reposado (perfect for margs!) are USDA certified organic
• Simple to make – 4 easy-to-stock, fresh ingredients
• Versatile – keep cocktail recipe as is or add signature garnish
• Top seller across all restaurant and bar menu placements

Four simple ingredients — organic tequila, organic agave syrup, fresh lime, and water — create a delicious, refreshing margarita that’s skinny and organic, too.

The Azuñia Organica – Organic Skinny Margarita

Azuñia’s Honest Expression of the Skinny Margarita

Bartenders are talking about Azuñia Tequila. Check out what General Manager Matt Cahur of Guanabanas Restaurant and Bar in Jupiter, Florida says about its top-selling “skinny” Margarita.

“If you’re a tequila lover, the Azuñia Organica kicks ass. Combine organic agave syrup, fresh lime juice, ice, water and a bunch of Azuñia! When guests ask about this cocktail, we tell them it’s the healthier alternative to a great tequila buzz. Less sugar and more zest. It’s our number one seller … what else do you need to say?” (as quoted in Chilled Magazine, August/September 2017)

As we eat, so should we drink. As one Yelper said after drinking an Azuñia Organica with Azuñia Blanco organic tequila, “I’m feeling healthier already.”

How to Make The Azuñia Organica, Organic Skinny Margarita

Start with these simple organic ingredients:

1 1/2 oz Azuñia Blanco Organic Tequila
3/4 oz Azuñia Organic Agave Syrup
1 oz Fresh Organic Lime Juice
Splash of water
Sea Salt for Rim (optional)
Organic Lime Wheel for Garnish

Method:

1. Add the ingredients to a shaker filled with ice and shake.
2. Rub the wedge of an organic lime along the rim of chilled margarita or rocks glass. Coat the rim with salt.
3. Add fresh ice to the glass. Strain margarita into glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Honestly Good Tequila

A great tequila makes a great margarita, so choose wisely. The tequila should enhance the nuances of the cocktail, as the mixers should marry well with the spirit. When selecting a tequila for an organic margarita, try Azuñia Blanco. The clean floral nose with hints of agave and lemon shine bright in this refreshing well-balanced housemade margarita.

Try it with Reposado for a deeper margarita flavor without sacrificing the organic or the skinny.

Add Azuñia to Your Menu

From field to bottle to bar, talk to our tequila experts about how to get this recipe on your menu.

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There’s so much information out there about the origins of our favorite spirits and cocktails, that it’s hard to separate fact from fiction. Just try searching for “margarita history,” and you’ll find so many contradicting stories that you could get lost in the information.  While you could enroll in classes about booze, we felt it might be beneficial to bring margarita history straight to you.

The Origins of Margarita History

A traditional or classic margarita recipe calls for triple sec, fresh lime juice, on the rocks (over ice) or blended, in a glass rimmed with salt. There are so many variations of the traditional margarita cocktail that we couldn’t begin to list them all here. But when was the first margarita cocktail made and who’s brilliant idea was it? Let’s take a look at the most popular rumors about margarita history.

A Cure for an Alcohol Allergy

You should say “bless you” to Marjorie King, a Ziegfeld dancer, who was allergic to most alcohols. Luckily for us “most alcohols” didn’t include tequila. The sensitive Ms. King was also rather picky. In the late 1930s, she was a regular at Rancho La Gloria, a restaurant just outside of Tijuana, Mexico on her many trips to Ensenada, Mexico. The owner, Carlos “Danny” Herrera, used the essentials of the tequila shot ritual (tequila, lime, and salt) to make a delicious cocktail. The result was the margarita, a drink that satisfied his finicky (and allergic) customer.

Socialite turned Master Mixologist

Margaret “Margarita” Sames, a Dallas socialite, was entertaining a few friends at her home in Acapulco, Mexico circa the late 1940s. At the party were two notable guests, Nick Hilton (as in Hilton Hotels) and Joseph Drown (Hotel Bel-Air owner). Never one to turn down a good drinking challenge, Margarita’s friends challenged her to make a special cocktail for the party. Well, she rose to the occasion (and won), mixing Cointreau, tequila, and lime juice. She even went so far as to garnish the glass with a rim of coarse ground salt! Although this is a somewhat plausible theory as to margarita history, the dates don’t add up. Jose Cuervo was advertising margaritas as early as 1945, and this story starts in 1948, thus debunking this history of margarita.

Inspired by the Races

The legendary horse-racing venue, Agua Caliente in Tijuana, Mexico, is the venue for the next in the list of widespread rumors. It’s said that, in 1944, a bartender named Danny Negrete, created the tequila and lime libation for his sister, Margarita, on her wedding day. Or maybe he mixed it first for a not-yet-discovered starlet Margarita Cansino who grew up to be the bombshell, Rita Hayworth. Although it’s fun to think that Rita Hayworth inspired the margarita cocktail, this rumor is just that – a Hollywood-worthy story.

It Began with a Daisy

With so many plausible stories about margarita history, it’s easy to get lost as we did when researching the History of Punch drinks. The last in our theories is that the Margarita evolved from a pre-Prohibition drink called the Daisy. Through the evolution of taste, or a bartender grabbing the wrong bottle, tequila replaced rum, and the modern authentic Margarita emerged. To us, this seems the most reasonable and trustworthy explanation. However, since we weren’t actually there, it’s hard to say with certainty that the Daisy started it all. In the end, all that matters in margarita cocktail history is that it was invented. We can all certainly raise our Azuñia Organica* to that!

Celebrate all you’ve learned with one of these margarita cocktail recipes.

The Original Margarita

Ingredients
2 oz Azuñia Blanco Organic Tequila
3/4 oz Simple Syrup
3/4 oz Lime Juice
1/2 oz Triple Sec or Cointreau

Method
Salt the rim by taking a lime wedge and coating the rim of a margarita glass.
Dip the glass in margarita salt, rotating until coated.
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a cup of ice.
Shake vigorously.
Pour into a chilled margarita glass with the ice from the shaker.
Garnish with a lime wheel.

The Classic Margarita

Ingredients
2 oz Azuñia Blanco Organic Tequila
1 oz Cointreau
3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice
Lime for garnish
Margarita Salt for garnish

Method
Salt the rim by taking a lime wedge and coating the rim of a margarita glass.
Dip the glass in margarita salt, rotating until coated.
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a cup of ice.
Shake vigorously.
Pour into a chilled margarita glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime wheel.

The Azuñia Organica Skinny Margarita
Similar to the Classic Margarita, the Azuñia Organic Skinny Margarita is a touch sweeter and 100% organic. 

Ingredients
1 1/2 oz Azuñia Blanco Organic Tequila
3/4 oz Azuñia Organic Agave Syrup
1 oz Fresh Organic Lime Juice
Splash of water
Sea Salt for Rim (optional)
Organic Lime Wheel for Garnish

Method
Add the ingredients to a shaker filled with ice and shake.
Rub the wedge of an organic lime along the rim of chilled margarita or rocks glass. Coat the rim with salt.
Add fresh ice to the glass. Strain margarita into the glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

 

The Margarita Cocktail Can Be Made Your Way

There are so many variations of margaritas that you can have it your way. Spice up your cocktail repertoire with a Jalapeño Margarita. Or go a little nutty with the tropical Coco Mango Margarita. Better yet, go back to basics with the Margarita Auténtica.  Or check out some really twisted versions of the margarita cocktail with the  Mexican Razor Blade, an El Vato Swizzle, or a Word to Your Cardamom.

Pick up a Bottle

You can find Azuñia tequilas at fine restaurants, bars, and retailers across the country.

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They say you are what you eat. If that’s true, we are one hot tequila-infused tamale. J/K. Kind of. We may not really be a tamale picante, but we do like hot foods and spicy drinks. For some of us, the spicier the better. And while we are people, not food, we do agree that what we eat says a lot about our personalities. Think about the people you know that like plain pasta with butter. Or white bread sandwiches with turkey, no cheese. The friends that order level 7 at the local Thai spot. And the buddies that put Sriracha on EVERYTHING (even popcorn).

Do food choices define their personalities? Not exactly. But sometimes pretty close. Now think about that friend (or maybe it’s you) that orders their Bloody Mary EXTRA spicy and drinks it down with sweat beading on their brow. They are pretty bold people, wouldn’t you say? For those people in your life, we offer you the best spicy tequila drink recipes in our collection.

But…before we start mixing up the spice, it’s important to understand the levels of heat. The Scoville scale (pictured below) measures the spice of peppers. The scale measures and ranks the pungency of capsaicin, the active compound that gives peppers their spice. Capsaicin is an irritant that produces a burning sensation in the tissue (think taste buds, throat, esophagus, stomach) that it comes in contact with. Note that this scale developed by Wilbur Scoville relies heavily on the subjective capsaicin sensitivity of the peppers’ taste testers. BTW, that’s not a job we want.

“Banana Pepper Level” Spicy Tequila Drinks

The mildest of the mild on the Scoville scale are the pimentos and banana pepper. Now we don’t technically have a spicy tequila cocktail made with pimentos or the sweet yellow banana pepper. However, we do have a masterfully mixed cocktail that’s spiciness is balanced with the chocolatey richness of cocoa. The Chocolate Chili cocktail is hot chocolate-tequila-fusion. It mixes organic Azuñia Reposado, hot chocolate, and Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur, topped with whipped cream. Make it for your sweet friend that keeps people guessing because every now and again she wears dark red lipstick and high heels to the grocery store.

“Poblano Pepper Level” Spicy Tequila Drinks

A little more spice with a little less nice are the next cocktails on our list. Dia De Los Muertos and Ancho Business rise up the Scoville scale slightly. The Dia De Los Muertos is a beautiful combination of organic Azuñia Reposado, Sweet Vermouth, Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur, and orange bitters. The bite of the chili and orange bitters is mellowed by the Vermouth. Blending organic Azuñia Blanco, Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur, agave nectar, and fresh lime and pineapple juices, Ancho Business is your favorite tequila drink elevated. Think of it as a fruity margarita that bites – gently. These hot libations are for people who love nights that start with happy hour and end in an impromptu road trip up the coast.

“Serrano Pepper Level”  Spicy Tequila Drinks

Climbing the heat meter slightly is the Jalapeño Margarita. Organic Azuñia Reposado, agave nectar, and fresh lime are catapulted to next-level spice with muddled jalapeños. Don’t forget to up the heat factor with a chili powder salted rim.

This piquant potion’s spice can be adjusted to taste. Just a little jalapeño for those mildly daring friends who want some tingle on their tongue. Or right up to super smoking hot for the crazy buddy who loves to sweat it out (not just at the gym).

Habañero Pepper Level – Spicy Tequila Drinks

What’s beyond hot? Scorching. Sizzling. Sweltering. Those come close but they don’t quite encapsulate the essence of the Bhut Jolokia, a.k.a. the ghost pepper. The ghost pepper comes in at over a million units on the Scoville scale (compared to 8,000 units for the jalapeño). For a period of time, it held the title as the “World’s Hottest Pepper,” but was recently replaced by the Carolina Reaper.

We have some really crazy, errr, bold friends. But we can’t imagine even the wildest of them enjoying, let alone sipping a cocktail mixed with the hot mess of the Carolina Reaper. For our bungee-jumping, cliff-diving, alligator-wrestling friends, we give you the Ghost Pepper Cocktail. This near-toxic concoction mixes Reposado tequila, fresh lime, agave nectar, water, and ghost peppers. Note that the instructions advise gloves when handling the peppers. They really are THAT potent.

Off the Scoville Chart

It takes all kinds of people to make the world go round. There are those that like it hot, and those that like it sweet, and there is everyone in between. We have cocktail recipes for all personality types. Find your flavor and get to mixing!

Want to connect on a more personal level?! You can find Team Azuñia on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

On a scale of 1 to 10, how spicy do you like your drinks? Please let us know in the comments below.

Can you think of a city more filled with history, tradition and wonder than New Orleans? We’re not just talking about Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest. At least not in general. The NOLA we’re talking about is the down and delicious. Join us as we dig in to the Big Easy – deep down to the rich classic food and the classic New Orleans cocktails.

We will be there for Tales of the Cocktail, a spirits event for bartenders, distillers, and other industry specialists. In advance of this “all work / no play” (yeah, right) trip we thought we’d gather the “must dos” and “can’t misses” so that no meal is overlooked and no cocktail is skipped.

Come along with us on our whirlwind tour of the French Quarter as we discover New Orleans cocktails suitable for every meal.

Breakfast – Skip the Hurricane

We are kicking off our tour bright and early – 10 am is early when you’re traveling – at Erin Rose on Conti Street for Frozen Irish Coffee. Sip the famous libation in the bar that was once a single-family French Quarter home. Converted to a pub in the 1950s, it’s been touted as a “Best Bar in America” by Esquire Magazine and made the “can’t miss” lists for Thrillist and Imbibe Magazine. Whether is 10 am or 10 pm, Erin Rose’s Frozen Irish Coffee will fix whatever needs fixing. Or it’ll simply cool you off on a humid NOLA day.

Mid-Morning Snack – Because…Beignets

It’s true. We said this tour was focused on finding New Orleans cocktails for any meal. But it’s NOLA, so we must “beignet”. We’re all about trying new things and doing our best to step off the beaten path. However, we can’t do this day without hitting up the quintessential beignet bakery Café Du Monde at the French Market on Decatur Street. Beignets are square French-style doughnuts, lovingly doused in powdered sugar. Consider them the sugar-rush you need to get to the next hot spot on the list.

Lunch – It’s Time for New Orleans Cocktails

You haven’t had a drink since breakfast. It’s time to settle in for a Pimm’s Cup at the Napoleon House on Chartres Street. This 200-year-old historical landmark will send you back in time. Story has it that the home was offered as refuge to Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile in 1812. While Napoleon never actually hid out here, it became a haven for artists and writers during the 20^th century. And now, it’s the ideal location for weary NOLA revelers to have an Italian Muffalata (a house specialty) and a Pimm’s Cup. The Pimm’s Cup is a refreshing cocktail made from gin, fresh lemonade, 7-Up, and a slice of cucumber. Use this stop as a chance to gather yourself before heading off to happy hour.

Happy Hour – A Shucking Good Time

You’ve been wandering the Big Easy since 10 am. You’ve tasted some tantalizing New Orleans cocktails and dined on dynamic dishes. But this might be the best part of the day. The Acme House has served chargrilled oysters on Iberville Street since 1920 after their original location on Royal Street burned down. When in NOLA, do as the locals and order up a dozen oysters the Acme way – grilled, doused in herbed butter sauce, and sprinkled with a special cheese blend. Make sure to save room for dinner. It’s just around the corner.

Dinner – Sip and Sit

On Saint Louis Street sits the country’s oldest family-owned restaurant, Antoine’s. Take a seat in one of their historic dining rooms (or schedule a private tour) and enjoy a traditional French-Creole meal. The menu boasts original recipes such as Oysters Rockefeller and classic French fine-dining plates like Escargots a la Bordelaise. We don’t know about you, but all this walking and eating makes us thirsty. Order an Antoine’s Smile, a sweet concoction of Calvados, lemon juice, simple syrup, and grenadine. If that’s too sweet, try a Sazerac, the oldest known American cocktail, combining Cognac, absinthe, Peychaud’s Bitters, and sugar.

After Dinner Drinks – After Dinner, It’s the After Party

Originally a “gentlemen only” bar, the French 75 at Arnaud’s Restaurant is vintage now only in its menu of classic cocktails. We suggest ordering a French 75, naturally. It’s a gorgeous glass of Courvoisier VS, sugar, lemon juice, and champagne. While it seems unassuming, it’s been said that the French 75 packs the punch of a French 75mm field gun. French 75 (the bar, not the drink) has a robust and varied menu for late night noshes – just in case you’re still hungry.

Late Night Cocktails – The Final Stop on the Tour

Seems like every spot in NOLA has a story, and the final stop on our New Orleans cocktails tour is no exception. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar on Bourbon Street has a story as long as our day. Built in the 1720s, the building survived 2 fires and was rumored at one time to be a stateside base for the Lafitte brothers smuggling operation. It’s fitting that this is where we end our night, sipping a truly touristy drink that packs a potent punch, the Voodoo Daiquiri. This not-so-surprisingly dangerous cocktail is an adults-only grape slushie with Everclear and bourbon. They don’t call it the “night-ender” for nothing. And on that note – goodnight.

Still Standing?

We’re headed to bed for the night. Thanks for joining us on our tour of NOLA. For additional city tours with recipes and more, sign up for our newsletter and bring the trip straight to you!