It’s the end of a long day. The temperature is 88℉ and the humidity level is well above what should be the legal limit without seeing any raindrops. What do you pour to ease the schvitz? How does a bit of tequila on the rocks with a splash and a wedge of lime sound?
Whiskey highballs are delicious, but there’s something extra refreshing about the bright flavors of a good tequila—or the earthy, smoky flavors of mezcal—bolstered by carbonation and cooled with ice. Both tequila and mezcal also play well with fruit flavored mixers, as in a classic Paloma with grapefruit soda and either spirit. Or perhaps more spice is desired from ginger beer for an agave mule variation. The possibilities are endless, and there are compelling reasons why tequila is often the spirit of choice for ready-to-drink hard seltzers, such as Volley.
La Batanga is a classic tequila highball that was popularized in the 1960s by Don Javier Delgado Corona (a.k.a. “Don Javier”) at La Capilla, his cozy bar in the town of Tequila, Mexico. Gran Centenario brand ambassador Roberto Rosa is a fan. “Simple and delicious, this cocktail includes tequila, Mexican cola, lime and a salt rim,” he says. “I enjoy this cocktail with Gran Centenario Reposado, as the vanilla notes in this expression of tequila are well complemented with the sweetness of the cola and citrus notes of the lime.”
However, Rosa prefers the brighter notes of the blanco better paired with something spicy. “For a refreshing tequila highball, I personally love Gran Centenario Plata with ginger beer. The fruit of the agave shines through in our blanco tequila, and when paired with the spiciness of the ginger, results in a crisp cocktail perfect for spring and the upcoming summer season."
Another classic agave spirits drink is a Paloma, essentially a tequila or mezcal highball with grapefruit soda. One of my new summer go-tos Mezcal Vago Espadín with Q Mixers Sparkling Grapefruit. The savory herbaceousness and subtle smoke of the mezcal matches well with the refreshing pungency of grapefruit, especially when sipped from a salt rimmed glass.
Tequila Tromba Co-Founder, COO and Apprentice Master Distiller, Rodrigo Cedano, has similar tastes. “My go-to is a simple highball with flavored soda,” he says. “The bubbles and effervescence complement the pineapple and caramelized agave notes in our Blanco. The slightly bitter flavor of the grapefruit soda combined with the sweetness of Tromba Blanco, make for a perfectly balanced and light cocktail that allows the tequila flavor to shine."
Tequila Don Fulano brand ambassador Christina Helmer goes for a somewhat unconventional pairing of Don Fulano Reposado with Something & Nothing Cucumber Seltzer. “The Repo to me is the perfect expression for the warmer seasons—it reminds me of dried grass, herbs and coconut. I love the simple yet intriguing pairing with the refreshing and slightly vegetal seltzer. Its cooling cucumber vibe lifts the soft and spicy Reposado to new heights with every sip.”
Are you thirsty yet? These combinations are effortlessly refreshing in the warmer months, but provide year round refreshment.
Tequila Topo Highball
Cocktail aficionado and Loungerati founder Fredo Ceraso enjoys this combination when Mother Nature turns up the thermostat.
- 2 oz tequila
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz of Topo Chico sparkling water
Add the tequila and lime to a tall glass filled with ice. Top with Topo Chico. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Fizzy combinations that are waistline-friendly
Because agave spirits have so much character in their own right, they only need a subtle boost of flavor to draw out their personalities. Not to mention, mixers can contain hundreds of calories worth of added sugars.
Low calorie, less sugar carbonated mixers have been hard to come by in the states, but thankfully, there’s been a trend of products with authentic flavors and no added sweeteners. If you’re seeking agave-licious refreshment, but aiming to stay lower cal, try these combinations, or experiment as you please with spirits of choice. All of these mixers are delicious on their own too. Just add rocks and a squeeze of citrus.
- Spindrift Pineapple (13 calories) — try with Mezcal Derrumbes San Luis Potosí, which has a fresh, wintergreen-like finish that mingles well with tropical fruit flavors
- United Sodas of America Strawberry Basil (30 calories) — try with Volcan di Mi Tiera Tequila Blanco, which has a slightly salty and minty finish
- Avec Hibiscus and Pomegranate (15 calories) — try with Tequila Fortaleza Still Strength, which has its own tangy, herbal kick that harmonizes with floral and red fruit flavors
- Rishi Turmeric Saffron (15 calories) — try with Mezcal Koch Espadín, with earthy, slightly smoky characteristics that complement aromatic spice
- Fever-Tree Yuzu Lime (30 calories) — try with the Tequila Mijenta Blanco, with its own citrusy qualities and a subtle agave roastiness in the finish that plays well off of yuzu
- Q Mixers Light Tonic (20 calories) — try with Tequila Ocho Plata La Loma, with notes of green pepper, vanilla and grapefruit zest that match the subtle sweetness of the tonic
