How to Throw a Cazadores® Tequila Tasting & Margarita Party
How to Throw a Cazadores® Tequila Tasting & Margarita Party
How to Throw a Cazadores® Tequila Tasting & Margarita Party
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Teq u i l a Ni g h T<br />
<strong>How</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Throw</strong> a <strong>Cazadores®</strong> <strong>Tequila</strong><br />
<strong>Tasting</strong> & <strong>Margarita</strong> <strong>Party</strong><br />
It’s time <strong>to</strong> rethink tequila. And – lucky for all of us – learning <strong>to</strong> rethink tequila is incredibly<br />
fun and can be quite gratifying. This distilled spirit, derived from the Blue Agave plant<br />
native <strong>to</strong> Mexico, has every bit of nuance as a fine wine or single-malt scotch. And throwing a<br />
tequila tasting party is a great way <strong>to</strong> acquaint yourself and guests with a variety of premium<br />
tequilas. A bottle of tequila <strong>Cazadores®</strong> goes far, making it an affordable way <strong>to</strong> entertain,<br />
especially when you consider the natural accompaniments like chips, salsa, guacamole and<br />
ceviché. You’ll be surprised by all the characteristics of tequila there are <strong>to</strong> talk about –<br />
appearance, aroma, color, taste and finish – and you’ll come away from the event with a<br />
deeper appreciation for an alcohol that deserves <strong>to</strong> be savored. Once guests have spent<br />
some time tasting tequilas, offer <strong>to</strong> mix up margaritas. You might find, though, that more<br />
than one guest opts <strong>to</strong> sip their spirits – straight up.<br />
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PARTY<br />
PLANNER
Setting Up<br />
Cut all of your fruit and garnishes in advance, s<strong>to</strong>re in<br />
covered containers and group <strong>to</strong>gether with the other<br />
ingredients in each margarita at your bar station. Dipping<br />
fruits that brown in a mild solution of lemon juice and<br />
water will keep them looking fresh.<br />
Put pouring spouts on all liquor and mixer bottles.<br />
Designate one cocktail shaker for each drink recipe that<br />
requires one. It’s helpful not <strong>to</strong> mix jiggers or stirring<br />
spoons as well. Always have a quality bar- or kitchen<strong>to</strong>wel<br />
on hand for quick clean up.<br />
Print drink recipes on 4 x 6˝ cards<strong>to</strong>ck and display in<br />
frames at your bar station. That way, guests can mix their<br />
own margaritas once the party is in full swing.<br />
Set up several water or non-alcoholic Agua Fresca stations<br />
using our Glass Drink Dispenser with goblets nearby for<br />
easy self-service. It’s helpful <strong>to</strong> elevate the dispenser so<br />
glasses fit easily under the spout.<br />
Create a music playlist ahead of time that will help set the<br />
mood during the party – or, use ours!<br />
Serve casual fare like salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole and<br />
ceviché. Pair with several types of chips, warm <strong>to</strong>rtillas<br />
or taqui<strong>to</strong>s.<br />
Bar Essentials<br />
<strong>Margarita</strong> Glasses – These large-bowled, stemmed glasses<br />
are essential for enjoying the true margarita experience.<br />
In Mexico, margaritas are served in glasses similar<br />
<strong>to</strong> double old-fashioned glasses. Pottery Barn’s Casa<br />
Barware, which is modeled after authentic Mexican-style<br />
margarita glassware, is a great alternative <strong>to</strong> traditional<br />
margarita glasses.<br />
potterybarn.com<br />
White Wine Glasses – The traditional glass for tasting<br />
tequila is called a “caballi<strong>to</strong>,” but, a good quality white<br />
wine glass, like our Schott Zwiesel White Wine Glasses,<br />
may actually be better for savoring the nuanced character<br />
of good tequila.<br />
Pitchers – Used <strong>to</strong> accommodate large batches of<br />
margaritas. It is recommended that there be one pitcher<br />
for each type of margarita being served.<br />
Cocktail Shaker – An essential <strong>to</strong>ol for the classic<br />
margarita, used <strong>to</strong> blend and chill ingredients before<br />
pouring in<strong>to</strong> a margarita glass.<br />
Jigger – Used for accurately measuring liquor<br />
for beverages.<br />
Ice Bucket – Keep plenty of ice at hand for margaritas on<br />
the rocks.<br />
Salt Dipper – Salt the rims of the glasses before pouring<br />
the margaritas. Run a lime wedge or two around the rims,<br />
then dip the moistened rims in<strong>to</strong> kosher salt. You can also<br />
dip only half the rim in salt <strong>to</strong> allow guests <strong>to</strong> taste with<br />
and without salt. Pour <strong>to</strong> just under the salt rim so that<br />
the salt doesn’t get in<strong>to</strong> the drink prior <strong>to</strong> drinking.<br />
Garnish Bowls – Add the final <strong>to</strong>uch of a fresh Persian<br />
lime wedge, strawberry or other garnish <strong>to</strong> your beverage<br />
after salting the rim. Have bowls s<strong>to</strong>cked with enough<br />
garnishes <strong>to</strong> go around. Bowls from our Agave Collection<br />
are ideal <strong>to</strong> hold garnishes and their authentic character<br />
adds <strong>to</strong> the Mexican theme of the party.<br />
Hand Juicer – Used <strong>to</strong> extract fresh juice from citrus<br />
fruits, like Persian limes.<br />
Plates and Napkins – Have stacks of cocktail plates and<br />
napkins available for appetizers and tapas.
<strong>Tequila</strong> Tips<br />
<strong>Tequila</strong> is a unique liquor that is derived from<br />
the Blue Agave plant of Mexico. Available in two<br />
categories: tequila and 100% tequila agave. The two<br />
categories are defined by the percentage of juices<br />
coming from the blue agave. Each group is further<br />
broken down in<strong>to</strong> the following varieties:<br />
Blanco – Also referred <strong>to</strong> as “white tequila,”<br />
blanco tequila is the original, traditional tequila.<br />
It is strong and features the true flavor of the blue<br />
agave. Look for hints of citrus, mint, spearmint,<br />
anise, apple or pear.<br />
Reposado – This silver variety of tequila has been<br />
aged in white oak casks from two months <strong>to</strong> one<br />
year. Featuring a pale color, pleasing bouquet and<br />
mellow taste, it is popular and pricey. Look for<br />
hints of vanilla, almond, oak, honey, s<strong>to</strong>ne fruit,<br />
butterscotch or brown sugar.<br />
Añejo – Same as Reposado tequila but aged over one<br />
year <strong>to</strong> attain an amber color and woody flavor. This<br />
variety is particularly tasty but quite expensive. Look<br />
for hints of <strong>to</strong>ffee, chocolate, caramel, butterscotch,<br />
burnt honey, vanilla or <strong>to</strong>bacco.<br />
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Using premium brands of <strong>Tequila</strong>, like <strong>Cazadores®</strong>,<br />
familiarize yourself with the fine nuances of tequila<br />
by conducting a tasting. Serve an ounce at a time at<br />
room temperature in white wine glasses.<br />
Instruct guests <strong>to</strong> do as they would with wine: swirl,<br />
sniff, sip, swallow. Have guests think about each<br />
tequila’s characteristics <strong>to</strong> help discover which is<br />
preferred. Sip slowly <strong>to</strong> savor the complexity of this<br />
refined liquor. Watch how it’s done by tequila expert<br />
Julio Bermejo.<br />
Snack on <strong>to</strong>rtilla chips between tastings <strong>to</strong> clear<br />
your palate. Once you know what your preference is,<br />
you can continue sipping tequila in the traditional<br />
manner or you can mix it in<strong>to</strong> a <strong>to</strong>p-shelf margarita.<br />
Begin with La Bandera<br />
Also called “The Mexican Flag,” this classic way of<br />
serving tequila consists of three parts – with colors<br />
<strong>to</strong> match the Mexican flag – a shot each of tequila<br />
blanco, sangrita and lime juice. Sangrita is a spicy,<br />
tangy mixture of <strong>to</strong>ma<strong>to</strong> and orange juices, usually<br />
spiked with hot chiles and lime juice. Start by sipping<br />
the tequila and follow with lime juice or sangrita<br />
depending on your mood. This traditional drink<br />
is a perfect icebreaker for starting off your tequila<br />
tasting party.
party timeline<br />
at least 3 weeks out<br />
• Set a date for your party.<br />
• Cus<strong>to</strong>mize our printable <strong>Margarita</strong> <strong>Party</strong> invitations.<br />
• Gather names, addresses and phone numbers, and mail<br />
invitations.<br />
at least 2 weeks out<br />
• Take inven<strong>to</strong>ry of your glassware and serveware.<br />
Make sure you have margarita glasses, pitchers,<br />
shakers, jiggers, plates and napkins. Purchase<br />
anything you’re lacking.<br />
• Begin planning a music playlist for the event – or,<br />
borrow from ours!<br />
1 week out<br />
• Review recipes and make a list of all ingredients.<br />
• Plan ahead for prep work you can do in advance,<br />
and all that you’ll do the day of the party.<br />
• Finalize guest list and follow up with anyone who<br />
hasn’t RSVP’d<br />
• Shop for beverages, decorations, etc.<br />
• Gather serveware and glassware.<br />
• Rent any tables or chairs necessary.<br />
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3 days out<br />
• Shop for perishable food items. Make sure avocados<br />
are purchased <strong>to</strong>day so they’re likely <strong>to</strong> be ripe in time<br />
for the party. Choose limes with a thin skin <strong>to</strong> ensure<br />
they’ll yield lots of juice.<br />
2 days out<br />
• Begin food prep according <strong>to</strong> your schedule.<br />
day before<br />
• Set up for the party. Decorate, prep the bar area, etc.<br />
day of<br />
• Prep last-minute food items.<br />
• Buy ice.<br />
• Shop for and arrange flowers.<br />
• Relax and get in the spirit of celebrating!
The key <strong>to</strong> making the perfect margarita is <strong>to</strong><br />
find the right balance between the sweet and<br />
the tart. <strong>Margarita</strong>s can be served on the rocks<br />
or frozen. The following recipes apply <strong>to</strong> both<br />
varieties and are for a single serving. If you plan<br />
<strong>to</strong> make frozen margaritas, instead of using the<br />
cocktail shaker, place all ingredients listed below<br />
in<strong>to</strong> a blender and mix until smooth.<br />
Classic <strong>Cazadores®</strong><br />
<strong>Margarita</strong><br />
2 parts premium tequila<br />
<strong>Cazadores®</strong> Reposado<br />
1 part agave fruc<strong>to</strong>se<br />
1 part fresh hand-squeezed<br />
Persian lime juice<br />
Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed<br />
ice and add all ingredients. Shake<br />
vigorously <strong>to</strong> blend. Pour over ice<br />
in<strong>to</strong> chilled glass that’s half salted,<br />
add lime garnish, and serve. For a<br />
blended version, follow the same<br />
recipe but blend and serve in<br />
margarita glasses.<br />
Blue <strong>Cazadores®</strong><br />
<strong>Margarita</strong><br />
potterybarn.com<br />
recipes<br />
1½ parts premium tequila<br />
<strong>Cazadores®</strong> Reposado<br />
1 part freshly squeezed lime juice<br />
1 part Blue Curacao<br />
simple syrup <strong>to</strong> taste (roughly 1<br />
teaspoon per cocktail)<br />
Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed<br />
ice and add all ingredients. Shake<br />
vigorously <strong>to</strong> blend and chill.<br />
Pour over ice in<strong>to</strong> salted and<br />
chilled margarita glass, add lime<br />
garnish, and serve. For a blended<br />
version, follow the same recipe<br />
but blend and serve in margarita<br />
glasses.<br />
Strawberry<br />
<strong>Cazadores®</strong> <strong>Margarita</strong><br />
1½ parts premium tequila<br />
<strong>Cazadores®</strong> Reposado<br />
1 part freshly squeezed lime juice<br />
1 part Cointreau or other orange<br />
liquor<br />
1 part Strawberry Liquor<br />
simple syrup <strong>to</strong> taste (roughly 1<br />
teaspoon per cocktail)<br />
Fill a cocktail shaker with<br />
crushed ice and add all<br />
ingredients. Shake vigorously <strong>to</strong><br />
blend and chill. Pour over ice in<strong>to</strong><br />
salted and chilled margarita glass,<br />
add strawberry garnish and serve.<br />
For a blended version, follow the<br />
same recipe but blend and serve<br />
in margarita glasses.
Guacamole is one of those dishes that’s<br />
incredibly easy <strong>to</strong> make, yet lots of people think<br />
it can only be found at a Mexican restaurant.<br />
This recipe is from our one of our designers<br />
who’s native <strong>to</strong> Mexico City and designed our<br />
best-selling Sausali<strong>to</strong> Dinnerware and the rustic<br />
Agave Collection that we’ve presented as part of<br />
the <strong>Tequila</strong> <strong>Party</strong>. With this recipe, you can easily<br />
make great, fresh guacamole at home – and you<br />
can do it in about 5 minutes.<br />
Ingredients<br />
4 ripe avocados<br />
½ medium red onion, chopped<br />
2 medium <strong>to</strong>ma<strong>to</strong>es, diced, no pulp<br />
2 roasted garlic cloves mashed<br />
Juice from 1 lime<br />
½ teaspoon kosher salt<br />
½ teaspoon sugar<br />
<strong>Cazadores®</strong> Pomegranate Ceviche<br />
The popular Mexican technique for “cooking” fresh raw seafood by <strong>to</strong>ssing it with citrus juice is ideal for serving at<br />
a <strong>Margarita</strong> or tequila tasting party. This version, which came <strong>to</strong> us from <strong>Cazadores®</strong>, adds the seeds and juice of a<br />
pomegranate <strong>to</strong> the traditional mixture. Choose any of the fish varieties below, making sure it’s as fresh as possible.<br />
Ingredients<br />
1 lb halibut fillet or sea bass fillet or red<br />
snapper fillet or cleaned shrimp<br />
½ cup pomegranate juice<br />
6 limes<br />
1 cup diced fresh <strong>to</strong>ma<strong>to</strong><br />
½ cup pomegranate seeds<br />
4 tablespoons chopped cilantro<br />
¼ teaspoon salt<br />
¼ teaspoon pepper<br />
½ teaspoon oregano<br />
2 jalapeño peppers (or more <strong>to</strong> suit your<br />
taste), chopped<br />
potterybarn.com<br />
recipes<br />
Brett’s Famous Guacamole<br />
1 Serrano chile pepper, minced<br />
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, plus a<br />
stem or two for garnish<br />
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper<br />
Preparation<br />
Take the avocado and slice it around<br />
the pit lengthwise, until you can pull it<br />
apart. The pit will stay on one side. Take<br />
your knife and hit the knife-edge in<strong>to</strong><br />
the pit, then turn the pit and it will pop<br />
1 tablespoon white vinegar<br />
1 medium onion, finely chopped<br />
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro<br />
1 head of lettuce, chopped (<strong>to</strong> line<br />
serving bowls)<br />
avocado (optional)<br />
Preparation<br />
Dice the fish (approximately ½-inch<br />
dice), then marinate in lime and<br />
pomegranate juice in fridge for at least 6<br />
hours, stirring often.<br />
out. Scoop the flesh of the avocado from<br />
the skin.<br />
Place in a bowl and mix all the<br />
ingredients, making it however chunky<br />
or smooth you like.<br />
Transfer <strong>to</strong> a clean a bowl and garnish<br />
with a stem or two of cilantro. Serve<br />
with chips – and enjoy!<br />
Pour off most of the juice (just<br />
leave fish moist). Add remaining<br />
ingredients except lettuce, avocado and<br />
pomegranate seeds. Do this a few hours<br />
before serving, then refrigerate again.<br />
Just before serving, <strong>to</strong>ss well and arrange<br />
in a bowl lined with the lettuce leaves.<br />
Garnish with sliced avocado and fresh<br />
pomegranate seeds.<br />
Serve family style with corn <strong>to</strong>stadas or<br />
corn <strong>to</strong>rtilla chips. Enjoy!
<strong>Tequila</strong> <strong>Cazadores®</strong><br />
In 1922, Señor Jose Maria, a hard-working farmer from Jalisco, dreamt that one<br />
day – with his own agave plants – he would create a high-quality tequila that people<br />
would love. After long days of farming, he worked in secret <strong>to</strong> develop the <strong>Cazadores®</strong><br />
formula. Until that time, pulque – a crude fermented beverage with Aztec roots – was<br />
the most common drink made from agave. But, Señor Jose Maria believed he<br />
could change the perception of agave by crafting a high-quality distilled liquor.<br />
After years of refining his recipe, he finally perfected the “original” <strong>Cazadores®</strong> tequila.<br />
He kept the recipe hidden in a small, wooden box hidden within the adobe walls<br />
of his farmhouse, and it wasn’t until years later that his dream became a reality.<br />
<strong>Tequila</strong> <strong>Cazadores®</strong> was eventually served at family gatherings and important occasions – and<br />
guests couldn’t get enough of it. In 1973, the taste of <strong>Tequila</strong> <strong>Cazadores®</strong> was so widely<br />
enjoyed that a new distillery was opened <strong>to</strong> meet the growing demand for its unique flavor.<br />
“Cazadores,” Spanish for “hunters,” symbolizes Señor Jose Maria’s constant pursuit <strong>to</strong><br />
create the world’s finest tequila. We – and lots of others – think he’s succeeded. This<br />
premium tequila has established itself as one of Mexico’s most respected tequila<br />
distilleries – and one of the most popular tequila brands in the world.<br />
potterybarn.com
Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant<br />
Since 1965, Tommy’s has been serving San Francisco with authentic Mexican<br />
and Yucatecan cuisine. Tommy’s also proudly pours the most extensive<br />
collection of 100% agave tequila outside of Mexico, and makes what many<br />
believe <strong>to</strong> be the best margaritas on Earth.<br />
Julio Barmejo runs the family restaurant with his father, Tommy, mother and two sisters.<br />
His Blue Agave Club is known <strong>to</strong> tequila connoisseurs around the world as one<br />
of the most rigorous guided tasting adventures – including four distinct levels of mastery:<br />
the master’s, the Ph.D., the Ninja Master and the elusive Demigod of <strong>Tequila</strong>, which<br />
requires an exclusive <strong>to</strong>ur of Mexican tequila distilleries with none other than Julio himself<br />
– and a blind taste test that’s nearly impossible <strong>to</strong> pass. The Blue Agave Club has over 6,000<br />
members – all of whom have discovered the fine nuance present in any premium tequila.<br />
Watch our videos of Julio Bermejo demonstrating a tequila tasting and preparing<br />
his famous signature margarita.<br />
Visi<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong> Tommy’s can expect a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere, an enormous<br />
Mexican menu including delicious Yucatecan specialties and the best selection<br />
of tequila this side of the Rio Grande.<br />
Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant<br />
5929 Geary Blvd<br />
San Francisco, CA 94121<br />
(415) 387-4747<br />
<strong>to</strong>mmysmexican.com<br />
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