Three Spring Cocktails
It's about the time when our patio is treated more like an additional room to the house. The longer days, warmer temps, and cheerful plants are the best part of spring.
Gathering and hosting is something I've missed these long COVID months, so if there is an excuse for a happy hour or a holiday celebration I am using it to welcome people over for a cocktail or two. Since It's spring and Cinco de Mayo, it's about time for some festive, cheerful, and western-inspired drinks!
Stay tuned after the recipe for recommendations on spirit labels.
The Cha-Cha Margarita
featuring Grapefruit Fleur de Sel
Inspired by one of my favorite local Latin Kitchen restaurants, Cha-Cha's
- 1 oz Iconic Grapefruit Fleur de Sel
- 2 oz Blanco Tequila
- 2 dashes of orange bitters
- Splash of sparkling water
Garnish by salting a section of the rim with a grapefruit segment (or lime) and sea salt. Combine ingredients in the glass with ice. Margaritas don't take much fuss and are an excellent choice for a larger group.
Grapefruit is also the perfect brightness to pair with a smokier spirit. Try this drink with Mezcal or a Smoked Whiskey and explore a different side to the Rio Red fruit.
Cactus Flower Margarita
featuring Prickly Pear Sour
- 2oz Tequila
- 1oz Iconic Prickly Pear Sour
- Squeeze of lime
- Splash of sparkling water
Combine ingredients with ice in a rocks glass and stir. Garnish with a sea salt rim (optional) and a lemon wheel.
Prickly Pear Mule
featuring Ginga Syrup
- 2oz vodka
- 1/2oz Iconic Ginga Syrup
- 1/2oz Iconic Prickly Pear Sour
- 1/2oz lime juice
- 2oz sparkling water
Combine all ingredients in your favorite mule mug with ice and garnish with a lime wheel. The color is such a special part of the Prickly Pear fruit, so if you opt for a rocks glass instead of a mug, I won't tell.
Did you know that not all spirits are created equal?
Between mysterious labels, hidden producing, and conglomerates owning approximately 96% of the industry it's hard to know what to pour in your glass! We celebrate Iconic Cocktail Co. for its transparency, partnerships with local farms, and seasonal/small batch process. But oftentimes the main (spirit) ingredient is not as consciously crafted, but it is highly marketed.
In order to support independent labels/businesses and celebrate transparent trade, we hope you'll go to your local wine and spirits shop for recommendations. You'll want to specifically request "transparent producers." Even a Google search or two will help find a label worth investigating. Who doesn't love a tasting party?
Here are a couple of labels we've seen that will work for these cocktail recipes— they specialize in changing the industry for the better. If you know of any more please comment below!
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