'I thought I hated tequila but these two cocktail recipes changed my mind'
Tequila shots don't have to be the be-all and end-all of the popular Mexican drink, and I realised that when I gave these two simple cocktails a go – it's safe to say they lifted my spirits
Like most people, my limited experience with tequila has been pretty noteworthy, providing a hair-raising taste that leads to a night itself that is far less memorable.
A lot of us have been there, in cheap student bars, squeezing a lemon into our mouths before kicking back a tequila shot and licking a sprinkle of salt – a ritual that doesn't seem to help with the lingering bad taste.
It's these cringe-worthy moments that made me swear I would never drink tequila, forever telling friends I hate the spirit and would not touch a tequila-based drink ever again. Very dramatic of me – and oh, how very wrong.
There's more to tequila than most of our British drinking culture lets on. The distilled Mexican drink is made from the blue agave plant, native to the country, and the brand El Jimador is a tequila made with what they claim to be "0% pretentiousness" – perfect for a real first-timer.
The two simple but effective cocktail recipes, which turned me over to the dark side, only require a couple of ingredients and are perfect for your next boozy barbeque or pre-night-out drinks.
While I may not be bidding farewell to a trusty Sex on the Beach or Cosmopolitan anytime soon, it's safe to say I'm adding these tequilas to my drinking repertoire.
My sweet tooth wasn't ready to say goodbye to strawberry flavours just yet, and with this concoction I didn't have to. This cocktail makes for a refreshing yet fruity drink, perfect for sipping in the sunshine.
These measurements are just a rough guide, play around and see what best suits your own tastebuds when it comes to strength and flavour.
Strawberry Spritz
Combine the following ingredients:
- 120ml El Jimador Tequila Blanco (or any tequila brand of your choice)
- 30ml fresh strawberry purée
- 1 tsp sugar syrup
- 1 lime juiced
- 80ml Prosecco
Take all of your liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker, add some ice, and continuously shake it all together, mixing the flavour, for up to 15 seconds. Then, pour it into a glass and add a touch of rosemary garnish for that extra pazazz. Voilà, you've got yourself the tasty tequila cocktail that you never thought you'd be drinking.
Spicy Margarita
Spice up your life with this delicious drink, and if you're not someone who can stomach some chilli, don't let that put you off. I'd always stayed clear of a spicy margarita, but when you're making it yourself, you can control the level of hotness, and the taste of tequila balances it all out smoothly.
Combine the following ingredients:
- 120ml El Jimador Tequila Reposado
- 1 1/2 lime Juiced
- 1sp chilli syrup
- A chilli
- Chilli salt for the rim of your glass
Combine the freshly squeezed lime juice with your tequila and syrup into a cocktail shaker, add some ice, and give it a good shake for up to 15 seconds. Then, pour it into your glass, drop in your chilli, and gently spread your chilli salt around the rim of the glass for the perfect hit of flavour with each sip.