Any extra CASH laying around?

Tequila Herradura, one of the oldest and most respected 100 percent blue agave tequila brands since 1870, announces the launch of its exclusive Buy-the-Barrel program, an exceptional opportunity for tequila connoisseurs to order their very own Herradura Double Barrel Reposado. When bottled, each barrel yields approximately 240 bottles of specially crafted tequila reposado aged for an additional month, ensuring every ounce captures flavors and notes directly drawn from the selected barrels.

Connoisseurs have the option of traveling (at their own expense) to the Hacienda near Guadalajara, Mexico, to select their own Herradura Double Barrel Reposado. Once chosen, the tequila is placed in bottles adorned with personalized labels, including the purchaser’s name, number and bottling date. The barrel itself then is varnished, branded and shipped with a framed certificate of ownership. Price per barrel is approximately $10,000 and the order process takes about 45-60 days.

The all-natural aging process, rooted on 140 years of dedication to the craft and tradition, begins with 100 percent blue Weber agave rested in toasted oak barrels for 11 months, creating Herradura Reposado’s distinct color with a cinnamon and oak aroma that provokes a rich and smooth taste. To enhance this tequila, it is matured for an additional month in a new toasted barrel handmade specifically for this extra aging. This process provides the tequila’s uncommon smoothness and complex flavor notes of cooked agave, dried fruits and sweet brown spice.

“We are proud to introduce Casa Herradura’s first Buy-the-Barrel program, which embraces the tequila aficionado and includes them in our celebrated selection process,” said Mark Bacon, director of Casa Herradura Tequilas in North America. “We felt it was important for us, as a tequila institution, to share the art of making this fine spirit with our valued customers, such as Emmitt Smith. We believe this program provides a great opportunity to partake in an unrivaled experience with our supporters as they select a unique expression of our tequila.”

Refreshing Summer Cocktails!

1.  Mule:

• 1 1/4 Ounce high quality Vodka
• Ginger Beer
• Fresh Limes for juicing

Rim large martini glass with Red Lime Rokz Cocktail Rim Salt.  Fill with ice.  Pour in Vodka, fill with ginger beer, squeeze in a generous squeeze of lime juice.

2.  Strawberry Gin Fizz:

• 2 ounces strawberry infused Gin (mash 3 strawberries into each 2 ozs. Gin - let stand overnight - strain) 

• 1 Teaspoon Powdered Sugar 

• Club Soda (chilled well)

Pour the infused gin into an ice filled shaker and add powdered sugar and lime juice.
Shake vigorously.  Pour into White Wine Glass - top with soda & garnish with lemon twist.

3.  Pina Colada Gelato Cocktail:

• 1/4 cup crushed ice

• 1 scoop coconut gelato

• 1 oz. dark rum

• 1 oz. coconut rum

• 1/2 cup pineapple (canned or fresh)

Add the ice, coconut gelato, dark rum, coconut rum and pineapple to a blender and mix until smooth. Pour into a highball glass and garnish with a slice of pineapple. You can also rim your glass with sugar, if preferred.

4.  Tangerine Jalepeno Cocktail:

• 2 ounces jalapeno infused high quality tequila (see recipe below**)

• 1/2 tangerine

• 1/2 lime

• 1/2 ounce agave nectar

Tools Needed: jar, muddler, cocktail shaker, small cooking strainer.

**(Infusion time: 24 hours)
- Pour half of a bottle of organic tequila into a jar that can be completely sealed. Slice 2 organic Jalapeno Peppers lengthwise in half and place in the tequila. Seal the jar and place in a dark area (pantry or cupboard). Let sit for 24 hours then use a small strainer to remove the jalapenos and their seeds. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tip: Use 1/2 of a bottle of tequila for the infusion. That way, if the tequila is too spicy for you or a guest, you can dilute it with the remaining tequila.

5.  Sangria Margarita:

• 8 oz tequila

• 12 oz margarita mix

• 2 oz fresh lime juice

• 3 oz triple sec

• 3 - 5 oz sangria

(Serves four) Pour the tequila, margarita mix, lime juice and triple sec into an average sized blender filled with crushed ice, and blend well. Dip rim of a 16-oz. margarita glass in the blender to wet, and apply salt if desired. Pour the blender mixture into the glass until 2/3 full, add the sangria gently over the back of a spoon to float, and serve.

6.   Market Gimlet:

• 2 ounces high quality Vodka

• 2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice

• 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice

• 3/4 ounce tarragon infused agave nectar (see recipe below**)

• one 1/2 inch slice cucumber (for muddling)
• one thin slice cucumber (for garnish)

Muddle thicker cucumber slice in a cocktail shaker.  Add vodka, juice, lime juice and infused tarragon nectar.  Add ice.  Shake hard and strain into a hi-ball glass filled with ice. Garnish with thin cucumber slice.

**  Tarragon infused Agave Nectar:  In a saucepan - toss in one small bunch tarragon stems and leaves (8 branches).  Add  8 ounces Agave Nectar.  Heat to a boil.  Remove from heat and let stand 45 minutes to one hour.  Strain through cheesecloth.

Written by Laura Johnson // SK2R Publishing