A Holiday Tequila Aperitif Cocktail: To Grandmother’s House We Go

THIS IS A SPONSORED POST WRITTEN BY ME ON BEHALF OF PATRÓN. ALL OPINIONS ARE 100% MINE.

Although I’ve only used them once or twice in the past decade, I for some reason own at least sixteen of these tiny glasses:

While I know they are more appropriately called cordial, aperitif, or liqueur glasses, in my head, they are grandma glasses. I romantically see them belonging to a time when white-gloved women like my grandmother would sip delicately out of these dainty vessels to get their fix. Even though these one-and-half ounce glasses aren’t robust enough to be my go-to glassware (sorry Grandma, my daily dram is a tad more generous), I still love the idea of them, and am constantly on the lookout for occasions worthy of their use. Since the holidays are all about tradition and family, bringing out my grandma glasses seemed very fitting.

I decided that the perfect recipe for these little glasses would have both attributes from historical aperitif cocktail recipes but with a contemporary flare; like the holidays themselves, which both adhere to and build on tradition. So when Patron sent me their beautifully modern Silver One-Liter Limited Edition bottle, I immediately thought it would be the ideal 2017 element for my recipe. As for the traditional aspect of the drink, I found inspiration from a cocktail used by Reginald Vanderbilt for whetting the appetite: the Stinger.

A Stinger riff seemed particularly appropriate for this holiday aperitif cocktail not only because of its seasonal mint flavor, but also because Patron features a bee on the front its bottle (a Stinger with a stinger, why not?).

The resulting cocktail is refreshingly minty and sweet, and substituting the customary cognac with Patron brings some smooth agave notes into the mix. Throwing in a few dashes of chocolate bitters and adding a crushed mint rim are both optional elements, but serve to make the drink a bit more playful.

Having a tray of these festive little sipping glasses ready for when your guests arrive at your next holiday party will automatically elevate the event and get your guests in the holiday spirit.

Plus, I like to think it would also get your grandmother’s nod of approval. What could be more rewarding than that?

To Grandmother’s House We Go

Ingredients:

Serves 6

• 6 3/4 oz Patron Silver Tequila
• 2 1/4 oz white crème de menthe
• 6 dashes chocolate bitters (optional)
• Crushed peppermint candy (optional)

Instructions:

Place your crushed peppermint on a plate and fill a bowl about a 1/4 inch full of crème de menthe (so that it’s barely more than moistening the bottom of the bowl). Dip each of your small glasses first in the liquid and then in the crushed mint so that the mint adheres to the rim. Place right side up. Next, fill a shaker 3/4 full of ice and add the Patron, crème de menthe, and chocolate bitters to the shaker. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds before straining the cocktail into each of the glasses. Serve and enjoy.

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO MIX UP THESE COCKTAILS (OR IF YOU JUST WANT TO GIFT A SUPER PRETTY BOTTLE) THESE PATRÓN SILVER ONE-LITER LIMITED EDITION BOTTLES CAN BE FOUND AT SPIRIT RETAILERS NATIONWIDE (FOR THE SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE OR ONLINE AT RESERVEBAR.COM FOR $59.99). YOU CAN ALSO PURCHASE THEM DIRECTLY THROUGH “THE PATRÓN EXPERIENCE” ARKIT APP. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

For more original cocktails and tips on where to drink in California, check out @spiritedLA on Instagram. Tag me in your holiday recipes, I’d love to see what you’re up to!