Hey gang, Valkor here. On May 5th, most of the US and Mexico will be celebrating “Cinco de Mayo” and if you want to learn more about the holiday, take a look at the Wikipedia Link. However, much like July 4th, Cinco de Maya is a big celebration day with drinks a plenty to be had. And not be left out of the festivities, the gang over at Deleon Tequila have a few recipe ideas to add an extra punch to the festivities.
From the Deleon Tequila Press Release: Named “Las Flores de Mayo,” the star of the recipe is the leader of the DeLeón Tequila line-up –the new Platinum. Un-aged and unrivaled in finish, DeLeón Platinum Tequila, made from 100% Highland agave, is a provocative Blanco with a rich, complex agave honey that is slow-fermented and twice-distilled. This cocktail is refreshing yet spirit forward, keeping the agave aromas and flavors from the tequila in the forefront. The verjus (unfermented grape juice) brings refreshing acidity along with a little fruit and sweetness while the Velvet Falernum adds spice and citrus, and the cacao bitters tie everything together.
Las Flores de Mayo By New York City’s Brian Matthys (The Gander, Corkbuzz)
- 2 oz. DeLeón Platinum Tequila
- 1 oz. Verjus
- ¼ oz. Velvet Falernum
- 2 dashes cacao bitters
Directions - Add all ingredients in a mixing glass and stir well over ice. Strain into a chilled couple and garnish with a thin lime wheel. Cheers!
Amante Picante Margarita By LA’s Juan Martinez (Toca Madera)
- 2 oz. DeLeón Platinum Tequila
- .75 oz. agave
- 1 oz. lime juice
- Serrano pepper
- Cilantro
Directions - Muddle two pieces of serrano pepper and clap 5 pieces of cilantro in a tin. Rim a highball with Tajin/Ghost pepper salt, shake all ingredients together and strain into a the highball glass. Garnish with a serrano pepper and sprig of cilantro.
DaHouse Margarita By Miami’s Eddie Fuentes (27 Restaurant & Bar, Broken Shaker)
- 2 oz. DeLeón Platinum Tequila
- .75 oz. Homestead lime
- .75 oz. pineapple sage infused agave syrup
Directions - Shake and serve over ice. Garnish with Half Moon Spicy salt rim, a spray of Mezcal, fresh pineapple, sage and a lime wheel.
About Cruzan (taken from their website): Launched to the world in 2009 by a serial entrepreneur and tequila aficionado – DELEÓN® Tequila defied the conventions of the category to establish a new standard of luxury in tequila.
DELEÓN® Tequila is made from the finest 100% Highland Blue Weber agave sourced from the rich earth of the Los Altos region of Jalisco. Hand-selected at harvest for high quality and peak ripeness, our plants yield the sweetest piñas, giving the tequila its abundant character and balance. Slow roasting of the agave in traditional brick and clay ovens, combined with slow fermentation, under the precise guidance of our master distiller contribute enriched depth and complexity to the agave’s natural sweetness, creating a remarkably nuanced character. DELEÓN® Tequila achieves this astonishing depth of flavor in just two distillations – allowing the tequila to retain the unique character acquired during the fermentation process.
With relentless attention to detail our master distiller artfully cuts the beginning and end of the distillation, allowing only the absolute best portion, or Corazon, to find its way into every bottle, creating a subtle taste profile with unrivaled in finish. For most of the aged expressions, an unconventional process blends the art of tequila with the mastery of French winemaking through a unique combination of bold American oak barrels and fine French wine casks to impart a distinctive, balanced character.
