Did someone say National Tequila Day?? On blistering hot, summery days like this, fruity spritzers garnished with seasonal fruit is a refreshing way to beat the heat, and oh do I have a tasty cocktail for you!
If you haven’t tried this Raspberry Basil Tequila Spritzer featuring El Mayor Tequila Blanco, you are in for a treat! (Recipe below.)
“Some say a distillery is only as good as its blanco. That’s because without the influence of the barrel, the flavor of blanco tequila has the purest expression of the natural flavors of the agave itself. El Mayor 100% Blue Agave Blanco tequila delivers a crisp, light body, with a hint of pepper and a bevy of accolades to match.” – El Mayor Tequila
Raspberry Basil Tequila Spritzer
PREP TIME: 10-15 MIN
SERVES: 1
Method for Basil Simple Syrup:
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 cup Water
- 3 Bunches Basil
- Add all ingredients to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Once the sugar dissolves, stir and remove from heat. Steep for 30 minutes, then strain into a sterilized glass jar with a lid. Cool before using.
Method for Raspberry Basil Tequila Spritzer
- 2 oz. Basil Simple Syrup
- 1 oz. EL Mayor Tequila Blanco
- 2 oz. Raspberry Hibiscus Tea
- 1 oz. Lime Juice (about 1 lime, fresh is best!)
- Raspberries
- Currants
- Club Soda
- Prepare simple syrup and steep tea according to package instructions. In the meantime, juice your lime(s).
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice then add simple syrup, tequila, tea, and lime juice. Cover, then shake vigorously until well-chilled (about 20 seconds).
- Fill a cocktail glass with ice, fresh raspberries, and currants (optional), then fill 3/4 of the glass with the cocktail mixture. Top with club soda, then gently stir before sipping. Cheers!
Notes:
- Want to take the lime flavor up a notch? For the simple syrup, use a microplane to zest 1 lime into the sugar. Gently rub the sugar and lime zest with clean hands to release the oils from the zest, then proceed with the basil simple syrup recipe. (Bonus: It’s zero waste, especially if you compost!) Also, this method brings the overall cocktail towards more of a margarita.
- Want more raspberry flavor? Before straining cocktail mix into your glass, muddle a small handful of in-season, fresh raspberries into your cocktail glass, then top with ice, and proceed with recipe instructions.
- For more delicious recipes to create or pair alongside, visit the Kitchen Journal.
