If your Cinco de Mayo(Sunday, May 5th) plans this year include sipping some tequila, you’re not alone. Given all the options of alcohol created here in the U.S. and imported, it’s surprising that the US is the largest consumer of Tequila with Mexico coming in second according to an Orbis Research report. Many give way to US consumers wanting a “cleaner hangover” and credit Blue Webber agave for its low glycemic index for creating less sugary drinks. Another fun fact according to Distilled Spirits, since 2002, tequila volumes have grown 158%, an average rate of 6.1% per year. In 2018 alone, 18.5 million 9-liter cases were sold and only to continue to expand.

A key reason for U.S. growth in tequila market, has been distiller’s ability to offer a product for every budget and occasion, while still maintaining quality premium tequila and appealing to consumers desire for “less sugary” libations. Two brands who are providing accessibility and driving the tequila market are Tequila Avion and Corralejo Tequila.

Tequila Avión is produced by the Lopez family–third generation agave growers who have mastered the art of harvesting Blue Weber agave at its fullest maturity (7-10 years per plant) from Jesus Maria in the highest region of Jalisco, Mexico. The distinct flavors are created slowly in small batches using a meticulous, time intensive distilling process and proprietary ultra-slow filtration process that only includes three things:

• 7-10 year old Blue Weber Agave
• Water
• Time

This archaic distillation process although painfully inefficient, makes for a smooth tequila with superior taste.

Tequila Corralejo, another Mexican tequila favorite, exemplifies Central Mexico’s rich culture, heritage, and vibrant lifestyle. As one of the few tequilas produced in Guanajuato, Mexico, Corralejo’s deep roots and production methods are unique in the tequila industry. Made from only the finest agave, Tequila Corralejo’s flavor is rich, natural, and unsurpassed in quality and personality.

To help get your Cinco de Mayo plans going, here are a few festive cocktails to mix up!

Avion Watermelon Basil Punch

• 1 750ml bottle of Avion Silver
• 1 2 pounds baby seedless watermelon
• ¾ cups (or more if desired) sugar
• 2 cups basil leaves, leave a few extra for garnish
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice

Directions: Puree watermelon and sugar in a blender until smooth, add sugar until it is dissolved. Add two cups of basil and blend on low until the leaves are broken up. Strain into a pitcher. Whisk in Avion Silver and lemon juice–taste and add more sugar if desired. Chill until cold for at least an hour. Serve in ice-filled rocks glasses and garnish with basil sprigs and lemon wheels.

AVIÓN ROSÉ MARG

• 1 1/2 Parts Avión Silver
• 1/2 Part Fresh Lemon
• 1/2 Part Fresh Lime
• 1/2 Part Agave Nectar
• Rose

Directions: Combine all ingredients, shake vigorously, and strain in Collins glass with crushed ice. Top off with rosé.

PASSION FRUIT MARGARITA

• 2 Parts Avión Silver
• 1 Part Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 Part Agave Nectar
• 1/2 Part of Passion Fruit Liqueur

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Double strain over fresh ice in a tumbler glass. Garnish with lime.

SPICY CUCUMBER MARGARITA

• 2 Parts Avión Silver
• 1 Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 Part Agave Nectar
• Slices of Cucumber & Jalapeño

Directions: Muddle 1-2 thin slices of jalapeño pepper in the bottom of a cocktail shaker with the lime and agave nectar juices. Add the tequila and a handful of ice. Shake and strain into a margarita glass over ice. Garnish with thinly sliced cucumbers and jalapeños.

Avion Pineapple Ginger Punch

• 2 parts Avion Reposado
• 8 parts fresh pineapple juice
• 1.5 parts of ginger beer
• 1 sprig rosemary
• Club soda (to top cocktail)

D irections: Blend up the pineapple in a blender and pour pineapple juice into a cocktail shaker then add ginger beer. Avion Reposado, rosemary and top it off with club soda until shaker will close fully. Shake well and pout into a glass

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