Santera Tequila for National Tequila Day

Happy National Tequila Day!  Today is exactly one week away from one of our beloved reviewer's birthday.  The timing is outstanding, albeit a non-concerted effort on the part of those who created this day. 

Santera Tequila

 Santera is created and bottled in Tequila, Jalisco (40 miles Northwest of Guadalajara), which is at the heart of Mexico's Blue Weber Agave region.  We are guessing that there are quite a few distiller's in this area!  In fact, we know that there are as the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (Tequila Regulatory Council) reported in 2008, that there were 901 registered brands of tequila from 128 different producers.

The climate here is perfect for tequila and mezcal producer's.  The preparation process is something else.  There's picking agave by hand, then, the cooking.  Graciously enough, Santera sent over all of their tequila's.

Received:

• (1) Añejo (80 Proof) SRP $54.99
• (1) Blanco (80 Proof) SRP $41.99
• (1) Reposado (80 Proof) SRP $46.99

Recipes:

El Anticuado

• 2 oz  Santera Anejo Tequila
• 1 Sugar cube
• 5 drops Bittercube Bolivar Bitters
• Large Orange Twist

In a rocks glass, muddle sugar cube and bitters. Add 1 large ice cube, tequila and stir until very cold. Express an orange twist over the glass and rim and garnish.

Highlands Mojito

• 2 oz Santera Blanco Tequila
• 1.25 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1.50 oz Mint Simple Syrup*
• 3 Lime wedges or wheels
• 1 Fresh Mint Sprig
• Club soda to top

In a shaker, combine tequila, juice and simple syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously. Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice and add lime wedges. Strain cocktail into the glass and top with club soda.

* Mint Simple

• 1 Bunch Fresh Picked Mint
• 2 cups H2O
• 1 cup Raw sugar

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan and reduce to a simmer. Add mint and steep on simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the mint and continue to simmer until the liquid is reduced to 1 cup. Remove from heat and add sugar. Stir to dissolve and chill the syrup.

Mustache Tickler

2 parts Santera Reposado

3/4 parts Fresh Lemon Juice

3/4 parts Honey Syrup

1/4 parts Sriracha Sauce

Combine all ingredients in a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice and garnish with a lemon wheel.

Añejo has a rich, roasted nose and is aged for up to 16-months in American Oak barrels.  It then receives another hit of añejo for depth.  The Blanco is not aged at all and has a delightful, 'lite' aroma.  We are pretty certain that we will be sipping a glass of half and half with lemonade and warm friends before too long.  Reposado is aged for up to seven months in American Oak barrels.  It is yellowish in color and has a sweet nose. 

For now, these 100% agaves spirits are only available at various retailers throughout New York.

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