Courtesy of KLG PR
When it comes to choosing a store-bought spirit to enjoy as a cocktail or mash, Aspen, both its residents and visitors, has an affinity for tequila.
While I don’t have any concrete scientific evidence to back this up, yet – I plan to dive into this topic someday for a Bar Talk column – I have plenty of anecdotal evidence, most of which I’ll also save for. this future column, so stay tuned.
From Aspen’s remarkably rapid adoption of Ranch Water (a Texas-style tequila drink made from lime, tequila, and Topo Chico) this summer to the prevalence of liqueurs at the Food & Wine Classic in September (i never noticed more tequila brand sponsored parties then at the 2021 Classic), tequila seems to have found a second home and fan base in Aspen.
So it seems fitting that instead of turning to eggnog or classic punch for this festive time of year, we turn to integrating tequila into our holiday traditions.
At the aforementioned Food & Wine Classic 2021 in Aspen, I was introduced to Tanteo Tequila, and it left a tasty impression.
Hand-distilled, infused and bottled in Jalisco, Mexico, Tanteo is made from 100% agave and is the only brand of tequila owned and operated by a cooperative of agave farmers. The majority of the brand’s tequilas are infused with locally sourced peppers – spicy jalepeño, smoked chipotle, and extra spicy habanero – but for purists, they offer a tougher blanco, which is the basis of all their infused bottles.
The agave used for Tanteo Tequila is cultivated in the Mexican region of La Cienega, between the highlands and lowlands of tequila country in the state of Jalisco. Once harvested, it is baked in brick ovens and distilled using traditional methods in small batches. The result is an alcohol that packs a punch, thanks to the higher proof, with citrus notes that are complemented by the vegetal flavors of agave.
If you want to familiarize yourself with the brand, Blanco is a good place to start with Tanteo tequila, but they’re well known for their pepper infused tequilas, and I love the spices, so I choose to give it a boost. to things. for the holidays, and I recommend you do the same, with a bottle of Tanteo Jalapeño Tequila.
The first thing you’ll notice when you uncork a bottle is the strong scent of jalapeño, reminiscent of jalapeños roasted over an open fire, which (to me at least) makes your mouth water with anticipation. Despite the pronounced smell of jalapeño, the heat of the peppers is not so spicy that it sets the mouth on fire, rather it is a warm and tasty heat which is complemented by the agave which gives it a finish to herbal.
Jalapeño tequila would make a perfectly balanced spicy margarita, a good addition to your after-ski drink rotation when you’re soaking up the sun but it’s still winter after all and want to be warm. However, since it’s the holidays, here are some suitably festive tequila jalapeño cocktail recipes to enjoy. Long live toast with tequila this holiday season!
Courtesy of KLG PR
Tanteo spicy fig margarita
2 ounces of Tanteo Jalapeño tequila
1 oz of fresh lime juice
1/2 ounce Agave Nectar
4-5 crushed figs
Instructions: crush the figs and mix the other ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and filter twice into a glass filled with ice cubes. Garnish with a fig skewer.
Courtesy of KLG PR
Tanteo Cranberry Punch
20 oz Tequila Tanteo Jalapeño
20 oz 100% Cranberry Juice (No added sugar)
10 oz. Fresh lime juice
7.5 ounces Agave Nectar
Directions: Pour and mix in a punch bowl. Garnish with lime slices, fresh cranberries and jalapeños.
