Three tequila cocktails for Valentine’s Day

Espolòn’s Perfectly Pink Paloma. Image courtesy Espolòn Tequila
Espolòn’s Perfectly Pink Paloma. Image courtesy Espolòn Tequila

Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it! Whether you are planning a romantic night in or throwing a fun Galentine’s Day party, we have rounded up a variety of cocktails to help you celebrate. But these aren’t just any cocktails. They are tequila cocktails especially for Valentine’s Day. Each of these cocktails uses tequila along with other spirits and or mixers to create a delicious drink that will have you ready for romance.

Espolòn is Spanish for “spur.” According to the company’s website, Maestro Cirilo named his tequila company after the word to “honor his single-minded commitment to real tequila and real Mexican craft – to spur on, ever forward, serenaded by the spirits of the past.” Their Perfectly Pink Paloma features Espolòn blanco. Palomas are a popular tequila-based cocktail.

This recipe uses an unaged tequila that is made using 100% Blue Weber agave. The grapefruit soda gives the cocktail a light pink hue. Fever-Tree and Three Cents are two popular brands that make pink grapefruit soda.

Espolòn’s Perfectly Pink Paloma

Ingredients
60 mL Espolòn blanco
15 mL fresh lime juice
120 mL pink grapefruit soda
Garnish

Lime wedge
Grapefruit peel (optional)
Salt rim (optional)
Method

Directions: Blend in a tall glass with plenty of ice, adding grapefruit soda last, and stirring to incorporate the ingredients. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Mix up one of these tequila cocktails for Valetine’s Day!

Tequila cocktails
Love in Manhattan Valentine’s Day Cocktail. Image courtesy El Bandido Yankee and Chambord

El Bandido Yankee tequila is made at the El Viejito Distillery in Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco and is confirmed additive-free. This cocktail is made with El Bandido Yankee Reposado Tequila, which is aged in American Oak bourbon barrels that have been stripped and recharred. The Love in Manhattan is a little more involved to make, using three different liquors. But it has a nice dark maroon color and sweet flavor notes from the vermouth and raspberry liqueur.

Love in Manhattan:

Ingredients:
1 3/4 oz El Bandido Yankee Reposado Tequila
1 oz Carpano Antica Vermouth
1/4 oz Raspberry liqueur (St. George)
3 Dashes Chocolate Bitters (Dugan & Dame)
Smoked with cherry wood chips

Directions: Build in a shaker, shake and strain into a coupe, garnish with fresh raspberries

Rosey Romance. Image courtesy 1800 Tequila
Rosey Romance. Image courtesy 1800 Tequila

1800 Tequila is named for the year that the company first introduced their tequila. They have been making their award winning tequila for over 220 years.  The Rosey Romance uses the 1800 Blanco, their double distilled 100% Weber blue agave tequila. This is a smooth cocktail with hints of citrus and floral.

Rosey Romance

Ingredients:

1 ½ oz. 1800 Blanco
½ oz. Triple Sec
1 oz. Grapefruit Juice
½ oz. Lemon Juice
½ oz. Vanilla Syrup
2 dashes Rose Water

Directions: Add all ingredients to a shaker and strain into a salt-rimmed coupe glass. Garnish with dried rose petals.

Which of these tequila cocktails will you be making on Valentine’s Day?