I am asked by my friends how it is that I can create so many cocktails for them to enjoy when they attend my private tastings. The answer is simple, I stand on the shoulders of the giants who came before me. (Yes, that is an homage to a Stephen Hawkins reference for those who are astute enough to recognize it). What I mean by standing on the shoulders of giants, is that many of my ‘original’ recipes are built upon the platform of other well-known bar drinks and cocktails. These ‘classic’ cocktails have stood the test of time, and by building upon them, I can arrive at new creations many of which I share here.
One of the modern classic cocktails I love to work with is the Cosmopolitan which mixes Vodka and Orange Liqueur with Cranberry and Lime juices. It is an excellent serving which never fails to please my friends when we have our Vodka Tastings. A few years ago, I came upon the idea of tweaking the Cosmopolitan using Tequila as its base rather than Vodka. I called this new recipe of mine, Metro Mexico, and I discovered it worked very well with both Blanco and Reposado Tequila. A few weeks ago when I was introduced to the Ultra Premium Herencia Historico Tequila – 27 de Mayo 1997 Cristalino Extra Anejo Tequila (see note below), I knew that I had to mix at least one Metro Mexico with this commemorative spirit.
I am glad I did.
Metro Mexico
2 ounces Herencia Historico Tequila 27 de Mayo 1997 Cristalino
1 ounce Cointreau
1 ounce Cranberry Juice
1/2 ounce Lime Juice
Tsp of Sugar Syrup (1:1 ratio)
Add the first six ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake until the outside of the shaker begins to frost
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with a lime slice
Please Enjoy Responsibly!
If you are interested in more of my original cocktail recipes, please click this link (Cocktails and Recipes) for more of my mixed drink recipes!
Note: Herencia Historico Tequila 27 de Mayo 1997 was created by Tequilas del Senor to commemorate the recognition of the domination of origin, TEQUILA which was signed in Brussels Belgium, on May 27, 1997. Three expressions commemorate this historical event, the Extra Anejo 15 Anos, the Extra Anejo 5 Anos, and the Extra Anejo 5 Anos Cristalino. All of these expressions are 100 % Agave tequilas which have been aged in oak casks imported from Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. The Cristalino is aged for 5 years and is then triple filtered to produce an almost clear spirit which is bottled at 35 % alcohol by volume. My review for this commemorative spirit will publish tomorrow.
Chimo!
When I receive spirit samples for review, I often ask the producer (or distributer) for a cocktail suggestion or two to give me an idea of how the people who make and market the spirit intend for us to enjoy it.
Tequila 
Espolon is a tequila brand created by Master Distiller Cirilo Oropeza. This is a premium tequila made in a small batch process from ‘hand-selected 100% Blue Weber agave, grown in the rich red clay and cool climate of the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. At that facility piñas of the hand selected agave are cooked for 18 to 20 hours prior to their fermentation. They apparently use a slower distillation technique than is in use at most other facilities, and when the spirit is finished, their Espolon Reposado Tequila is aged in new American Oak barrels for 6 months, filtered and then bottled at 40 % alcohol by volume.
The Rum Howler Blog 