Cocktail Corner: Toasting Mexican Independence Day

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Cinco De Mayo (commemorating the Mexican army’s victory under General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over the French in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862)  gets a lot of attention (not to mention happy hour specials), but the most important national holiday in Mexico is actually Mexican Independence Day, celebrated September 16 with plenty of festive parades, parties, food and of course, tequila!

To celebrate with our neighbors to the south, here’s a toast to the vibrant colors of Mexico with a red, white and green cocktails courtesy of Milagro Tequila, founded in 1998 by Mexico City natives Danny Schneeweiss and Moy Guindi. Of course, your favorite spirit brand can also be substituted.

Agua Verde Margarita 

Agua Verde Margarita, courtesy Milagro Tequila

Agua Verde Margarita, courtesy Milagro Tequila

1.5 parts Milagro Silver Tequila

.25 parts Avocado

3 Cucumber Slices

1 part Fresh Lime Juice

.75 parts Agave Nectar

Combine ingredients and blend with a cup of ice. Pour over rocks and garnish with a lime wheel.

In Love With Coconut, courtesy Milagro Tequila

In Love With Coconut, courtesy Milagro Tequila

In Love With Coconut

1.5 parts Milagro Reposado

.5 part Ancho Reyes

.75 part Fresh Lime Juice

.5 part Coconut Syrup (Monin)

2 parts Ginger Beer

Combine ingredients, pour over rocks and garnish with a roasted coconut rim.

The Freshest Sangria, courtesy Milagro Tequila

The Freshest Sangria, courtesy Milagro Tequila

The Freshest Sangria 

4 parts Milagro Silver Tequila

4 parts Fresh Lime Juice

4 parts Grapefruit Juice

8 parts Grenadine per batch

Serrano Peppers

In four shooter glasses, pour Milagro Silver neat. Cut serrano peppers in half and remove veins, seeds or stems. Blend the halves with remaining ingredients and allow pepper infusion to steep for 2-3 hours. Strain and pour into four separate shooter glasses.

If Tequila’s not your cup of tea, I recently tried a low alcohol sherry, Tio Pepe, that’s a refreshing alternative to hard liquor. The Tiojito is a twist on the classic mojito that’s perfect for our recent heat wave.

Tiojito 

Tiojito, courtesy Tio Pepe

Tiojito, courtesy Tio Pepe

2 oz. Tio Pepe
4 oz. Sprite or Lemonade
Ice
Fresh Mint
Lemon
Pour 2 oz. of Tio Pepe over ice and muddled mint in a tumbler glass, mix with 4 oz. of lemonade or Sprite and add a slice of lemon.

Cheers!  Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on September 11, 2015.

Cocktail Corner: Tequila Harvest Festival

The 2014 Tequila Harvest Festival, photo by AM Premium Photography

The 2014 Tequila Harvest Festival, photo by AM Premium Photography

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Our local schools may start next week, but the summer celebrations continue. More than 20 tequila and mezcal brands will be pouring at the 6th Annual Santa Barbara Tequila Harvest Festival on Saturday August 29.

This is the largest tequila show in California, and according to festival co-founder Ernesto Rodriguez, “The purpose of the festival is to promote the history, tradition, and art behind tequila production with the Anglo-Saxon and international community, as well as with the new generations of Mexican-Americans who are interested in learning more about these ancient and magical drinks.”

2014 Tequila Harvest Festival, photo by AM Premium Photography

2014 Tequila Harvest Festival, photo by AM Premium Photography

About 1,000 tequila aficionados are expected to gather at this elegant and festive outdoor event at Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Rd. Featuring live mariachi music and gourmet food, and well as lots of tequila, other highlights at the Tequila Harvest Festival include unreleased and special edition spirits from Tequila CelestialG4, Siete Leguas, Suerte and Tapatío.

In addition,  a portion of ticket sales, as well as a special silent raffle, will benefit the Elings Park Foundation.

Ticket price includes all tequila/mezcal and food samples. This is strictly a 21 and over event. Tickets can be purchased at AgaveAvenue.com. General admission hours are 6-9 p.m., with VIP tastings starting at 5 p.m. Hope to see you there. 

P.S: If you’re anything like me, talking about Tequila puts you in the mood for a Margarita. Here’s a recipe courtesy of Milagro Tequila.

The Milagro Freshest Margarita, courtesy photo

The Milagro Freshest Margarita, courtesy photo

The Milagro Freshest Margarita

 2 parts Milagro Silver Tequila

¾ part Agave Nectar

1 part Fresh Lime Juice

Pour all ingredients in a Boston Shaker with ice.

Shake vigorously and strain over ice in a rocks glass.

Garnish with a lime wheel.

Cheers!  Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

 Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on August 21, 2015.