Summer cocktails with tequila

May 07, 2008 12:31 PM by Diana De Cicco

Posted in

More Than
Margaritas

There is nothing like a nice smooth shot of tequila preceded by salt and followed by a lime (and if shots aren't your thing, how about a refreshing frozen margarita on a hot summer day?). Distinctly flavored tequila is much more versatile than you think, and can be combined with a luscious variety of fresh flavors. A white tequila, like the silky smooth Luna Sueno Blanco, is the perfect liquor to mix into your favorite fruity cocktails this summer. If you think tequila is just for shots or margaritas, you are going to love these recipes, courtesy of Luna Sueno Tequila.

Tequila Bottle

Tequila Recipes

Rastini

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:
12 fresh raspberries
1/2 ounce prepared agave simple syrup (recipe follows)
Enough ice to fill a cocktail shaker
2 ounces Luna Sueno Blanco Tequila
3/4 ounces White CrÃ¨me de Cacao
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice

Directions:
Add nine raspberries and simple syrup to an empty cocktail shaker and muddle well. Add ice, tequila, crÃ¨me de cacao and lime juice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with remaining raspberries.

Peartini

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:
Enough ice to fill a cocktail shaker
2 ounces Luna Sueno Blanco Tequila
1/2 ounce Bauchant Pear Liqueur
1/2 ounce prepared agave simple syrup (recipe follows)
Strips of lemon zest, for garnish

Directions:
Add ice, tequila, pear liqueur and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a spiral twist of lemon zest.

La Paloma

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:
1/4 of a ruby red grapefruit, peeled, halved
1/2 ounce PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur
1/2 ounce prepared agave simple syrup (recipe follows)
Enough ice to fill a cocktail shaker
1 1/2 ounces Luna Sueno Blanco Tequila
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
Splash of Perrier
Ruby red grapefruit slice, for garnish

Directions:
Place grapefruit half, pomegranate liqueur and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker and muddle well. Add ice, tequila and lime juice. Shake well and strain into an iced pint glass. Serve on the rocks, if desired. Top with a splash of Perrier and garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Agave Simple Syrup

Makes 6 ounces

Ingredients:
2 ounces Agave nectar (or syrup)
2 ounces sugar
2 ounces boiling water

Directions:
Combine all ingredients and stir until sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Note: Agave nectar can be found in the Mexican food aisle of most grocery stores or at Mexican markets. Agave syrup can be found in health food stores or in the honey aisle or health food section of many supermarkets.

If you can't imagine summer without margaritas, check out How to make a perfect margarita.