Is National Tequila Day over?? Yes. However, it TEQUILA SEASON!!! We should not only sip responsibly but, also accordingly. Summer cocktails are about what’s in season. Well, all cocktails should be about what’s in season. During the warmer months, we want light and refreshing cocktails. This is when I like to bring in fresh fruits, herbs, tinctures and bitters. And, Tequila. Of course. How about a nice Reposado? The aged agave spirit is so versatile. You get the warmth and depth of a good aged spirit without losing the bright and crisp notes of agave.

For today’s cocktails, I’ll be using Hornitos Reposado Tequila. It’s versatile, wonderful served neat and holds it’s own in cocktails. For this particular post, I’m blogging from the beach. Oh yes. The beach! On the road from North Carolina to South Carolina, there’s all kinds of fresh produce on the roadside from local farmers. We probably passed 2 million watermelons and 4 million peaches. So, what do I pick up on the way? Rainier Cherries, Cilantro (the non-infected variety) and Pineapple. Duh. I’ve got my Hornitos and I’m ready to cocktail by the pool/beach!

Cherry Blossom:

2oz. Hornitos Reposado Tequila

3/4oz. Lillet Blanc

3/4oz. Lemon Juice

1/4oz. Agave Nectar

3 Rainier Cherries

*Muddle pitted cherries in your cocktail shaker. Add remaining ingredients and fill with ice. Shake vigorously and double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a cherry and enjoy.

We’re about to smash and shake it up with this next cocktail. Smash cocktails are some of my favorites. I kind of have a thing for crushed ice. Smashes are typically made with Bourbon or Whiskey but, we make our own rules around here…

Pineapple Cilantro Smash:

2oz. Hornitos Reposado Tequila

2oz. Fresh Pineapple Juice

1oz. Lime Juice

1/4oz. Agave Nectar

Hefty Pinch of Cilantro

3 Dashes Jalapeño Tincture [Or a muddled jalapeño ring if you’d like]

*Tear some cilantro off the bunch (stems and all if you’d like) and muddle in your cocktail shaker to release the flavors. Add the remaining ingredients and fill with ice. Give the mix a hard shake and strain into a rocks glass. Fill with crushed ice and garnish with cilantro.

A fresh cocktail like this puts fish tacos on the brain. Enjoy the rest of Tequila Season with Hornitos Reposado Tequila!!