Summer has always been a time for celebration in Australia and New Zealand, and this year we’re more excited than ever to catch up with loved ones and toast the holiday season. So, what will be the drink of choice for this year’s sundowners?
Tequila. The spirit has seen a recent surge in popularity and is perfectly suited to balmy weather – it was born in a tropical climate, after all. Dating back to Aztec culture, tequila is made from the fermented sugars of the blue agave plant that is native to Mexico. And, just as true champagne can ony come
from Champagne, France, true tequila is imported from specific parts of Mexico (only five states are legally allowed to distil it).
Once exported, tequila’s possibilities are endless. You can drink it straight, but it really comes to life in a cocktail. The classic tequila cocktail is a Margarita, served with refreshing lime and a salt-rimmed glass. Tequila Sunrise is another summer favourite, best served in a hi-ball glass to show off its magnificent colours.
Whichever cocktails are on your summer menu, the Libbey glassware range will help you ensure they look as good as they taste. From the Speakeasy Champagne Coupe that will elevate any Tequila Sour to the Elan Rocks that will show off the bright colours of a Paloma, the collection is both glamorous and durable – making it the perfect partner to summer celebrations.
Tequila Sunrise
The perfect brunch cocktail, a fruity Tequila Sunrise not only tastes great but is perfectly Instagrammable too.
Ingredients
60ml tequila
120ml orange juice
15ml grenadine
1 orange slice (for garnish)
1 maraschino cherry (for garnish)
Method
Fill your glass with ice cubes and pour in your tequila and orange juice. Stir well. Slowly pour the grenadine around the inside edge of the glass. It will sink before gradually rising to mix with the other ingredients. Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry before serving.
Tequila Sour
The Tequila Sour is a mashup of the classic Margarita and a Boston Sour, delivering a sweet-tart combo with a foamy top.
Ingredients
30ml tequila
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon caster sugar
3-4 ice cubes
1 orange or lemon slice
1 maraschino cherry
Method
Combine all the ingredients except the fruit slice and maraschino cherry into a cocktail shaker. Shake mixture vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain into your glass and garnish with the fruit and the maraschino cherry.
Paloma
The Paloma is the most popular tequila-based cocktail in Mexico and a summer favourite. Refreshing and colourful, this is a perfect addition to any drinks menu.
Ingredients
30ml tequila
Juice of half a ruby grapefruit
15ml agave syrup or sugar syrup
75ml soda water
A dash of lime juice
Salt (to garnish the glass)
Method
Shake the grapefruit juice, tequila and sugar syrup until well mixed. Rim your glass with lime juice and dip it in some salt, then fill with ice. Pour your well-mixed cocktail into your salted glass and top up with soda water.
Margarita
Sometimes the best things are simple – this Margarita uses just three ingredients to let each flavour shine.
Ingredients
45ml tequila
30ml orange liqueur
15ml lime juice
Kosher or flake salt for the glass
Ice cubes
Lime wedges (for garnish)
Method
Pour some salt into a wide bowl or small dish. Take a wedge of lime and generously rub it around the rim of your glass. Dip the rim into the salt. Place the tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for 10 seconds and then strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime if desired.
