One fun and unexpected benefit from crafting a cocktail each week has been the discovery of how versatile tequila is. I say with some confidence that before I started The Friday Cocktail I only thought of tequila cocktails as either a margarita or a shot. Period. I really have come a long way baby!
I’ve mixed it with sparkling wine, coffee and hot chocolate and loved all of them. For this cocktail today it’s added to a muddled mix of rosemary, lime and cherry which is then topped with a spicy ginger beer. This particular mix was suggested by the folks that sent me some Partida Tequila. I thought it sounded unique but the real impetus were the cherry preserves. I don’t think I’ve EVER used preserves in a cocktail before but thought it prophetic since I actually had a jar of them in the fridge; I don’t think that’s the norm…was it meant to be?
Partida Tequila is available as an Anego, Blanco or Reposado Tequila. I was lucky enough to receive both a sample box of all three plus a full bottle of he Reposado, my personal favorite. Smoother than the Anejo and sweeter than the Blanco, it was really easy to drink. Maybe I just have a prejudice for Reposado but this is both a nice sipping tequila and a great mixer. A nice slow heat when sipped, it added the perfect touch to this beautiful cocktail.
Blue agave (Agave tequiliana Weber) is actually a member of the lily family, even though it looks like it must be related to the cactus. It’s grown in certain parts of Mexico and the plants—which can grow up to 15 feet tall—take 8 – 12 years to mature before they’re ripe for harvesting for tequila. To be considered a premium tequila like Partida, it must be made from 100% Blue Agave. Partida is also one of the few tequilas that qualifies as “estate grown” which means that the company owns all the land that their agave is grown on, best to assure both quality and consistency. I’ve received a fair number of tequila samples and I can honestly say this is one of my favorites.
Sweet and tart with warmth from the tequila and spice from the ginger beer, this was one terrific cocktail; I can’t wait to serve it to guests. After the week I’ve had, tonight there was no just taking a few sips, nope. I drank the whole thing, it was far too good not to.
Ingredients
- 2 heaping tsps cherry preserves
- Rosemary leaves from one 3-4 inch stem
- ½ oz fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1¾ oz Partida Reposado Tequila
- Ginger beer
- Rosemary sprigs for garnish
Preparation
- Muddle the cherry preserves, rosemary and lime juice in a cocktail shaker.
- Add the tequila and 1 cup of ice and shake until the mixture is ice cold; approximately 20 times.
- Fill a highball glass with ice and strain the mixture into the glass.
- Finish off with ginger beer and garnish with a rosemary sprig.
I received a bottle of Partida Tequila to review however all commentary is my own.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Preserves and spices and beer and tequila! Everything certainly came together to make this one enticing looking cocktail. Glad to hear you drank the entire thing, after the week you had. Hugs and hope that your up for meeting the week ahead with all you’ve got.
Just beautiful…
Kristi @ My San Francisco Kitchen Most Recent Post: Mini Strawberry Pie Cups
http://worldculinaryart.com/main/recipe/cake_with_raspberries/29
I first tried Partida at a local Newport Beach restaurant, SOL Cocina, that offers a huge selection of premium tequilas – it is excellent choice for this lovely cocktail! Add ginger beer, one of my favorite mixers, and cherry preserves and I’m loving this cocktail! Bring on the partida – I still have a tiny bottle we were given. Yay!
Priscilla | ShesCookin Most Recent Post: TAPS Wins in Three Categories
First of all – I love love LOVE Partida Tequila and this cocktail – oh my heavens I need to try it. The photos just pop off the screen.
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos Most Recent Post: Tried and True: Beef and Onion Stuffed Potatoes
You certainly HAVE come a long way, baby! I am absolutely loving this. Loved the teaser beforehand as well via Twitter. Something to look forward to! “Friday Cocktails with B” has become a part of my lifestyle now. Dig it! And, another Reposado Tequila to try! Thanks again for another swell cocktail concoction, my friend. Pinning! xo
Looks refreshing! I would have to substitute out the rosemary because of an allergy but I think it would still be good.
Tanya Most Recent Post: The Best WordPress Anti-Spam Plugins for 2012-2013
I have to admit Barb, I’ve never though of using preserves in a cocktail either but “duh” it makes sense!!! This one sounds very refreshing and I love finding new cocktails to make with tequila – definitely going to have to look for that brand when I need more tequila (which, with our recent hot spell might be sooner than later!)
Nancy@acommunaltable Most Recent Post: Cider braised Cabbage and Sausage
Fun drink! Preserves in cocktails is a fun idea! Really interesting combo of flavor – I’ll bet this tastes wonderful! And who can resist that red color? Good stuff – thanks.
john@kitchenriffs Most Recent Post: Hungarian Beef Paprika Stew
Well TGIF! Can’t wait for 5pm. :)
This is beautiful! And what an incredible combination..ginger beer, rosemary, tequila..some of my favorite things! :) Can’t wait to try this one!
Alaina @ Fabtastic Eats Most Recent Post: Toasted Coconut Cheesecake Dip
I thought it sounded great and would look pretty; nothing I love more than having that be true!
What a beautiful, refreshing looking cocktail for this Friday. I am on my way over.
Karen Harris Most Recent Post: Something From Nothing #10: Shortcut Banana Praline Sundae aka Bananas Foster My Way
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