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Alluring Agave Thirst Quenchers

If you’ve ever had tequila, you’ve had Agave, a term to describe spirits like this, along with mezcal. Raicilla, Bacanora, and Sotol also come from Agave.
People distill various types of Agave plants to create the liquor. For tequila, it can’t be just any old Agave, but the agave tequilana (blue Weber agave plant). It’s Mexican law!
Here are two familiar recipes that celebrate Agave.
Margarita
You can’t get a more traditional use of Agave than a Margarita, which uses tequila as a foundation. Make sure you buy a quality tequila for this, like Blanco. If you prefer, Anejo tequila has a sweeter flavor.
Tequila Sunrise
The tequila sunrise appeared in the early 1970s, popularized by Mick Jagger. Make sure to use freshly squeezed orange juice. It really makes a difference in flavor. Use a hurricane or highball glass for serving.

Ingredients

Margarita

  • Salt (pink salt is visually appealing.)
  • 5 tsp fresh squeezed lime juice
  • Lime wedges
  • 3 ½ tbsp tequila
  • 5 tsp triple sec

Tequila Sunrise

  • 3 ½ tbsp tequila (recommended: Blanco)
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tbsp Cointreau
  • 1 1./2 tbsp grenadine
  • Cocktail cherry for garnish

Instructions 

Margarita

  • Get a flat saucer and put a little salt on it.
  • Rub a lime wedge around the glass
  • Dip the glass in salt so it covers the rim evenly
  • Use a cocktail shaker to mix the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
  • If you are adding a juice flavoring, add it to the mix
  • Strain into the glass and serve cold.

Tequila Sunrise

  • Pour all the liquids into the glass but for grenadine
  • Mix
  • Drizzle the grenadine on the top of the beverage
  • When it sinks to the bottom, adorn it with a cherry

Notes

Potential tasty additions: Passionfruit, watermelon, or pineapple juice