6 Gorgeous Riffs on Classic Cocktails using Espanita Double Barrel Añejo Tequila

As drinks aficionados continue to seek out aged options across categories, Reposado and Añejo together now account for just over 50% of the sales value of all tequila produced in Mexico and combined with the steady growth in premium categories of all spirits, was a clear sign for Espanita Tequila that opportunity abounds for exceptional aged spirits like a Double Barrel Añejo.

Taking note of these consumer trends, Espanita began experimenting with different barrel finishes and maturation approaches for aging its tequila, debuting its Barrel Reserve Collection with a Double Barrel Reposado last year.

This expression is an amazing substitute for other complex brown spirits found in some of today’s popular classic cocktail riffs. Here are six of our favorites.

Tequila

Papa’s Nightcap

Ingredients

• 2 oz Espanita Double Barrel Añejo Tequila
• 1/2 oz and 1 bar spoon of Coffee liqueur
• 1/4 oz Agave syrup
• 2-3 dashes Orange bitters
• 4 Drops Bittermens Xocolatl Mole bitters
• 1 expressed Orange peel

Preparation

1. Build the drink in a mixing glass with ice, combining Espanita Double Barrel Añejo Tequila, coffee liqueur, agave syrup and bitters and stirring to chill.
2. Strain into a rocks glass over a large block of ice.
3. Take the orange peel in both hands, between the thumb and forefinger of each hand.
4. Twist over the glass, peel side down, to express the citrus oil onto the surface of the drink.
5. Add the orange peel to the drink.

Description

A riff on Old Fashioned cocktail.

Tequila

Streetcar Named Desire

Ingredients

• 2 oz Espanita Double Barrel Añejo Tequila
• 1 oz Dry Curacao
• 3/4 oz fresh Lime juice
• 3/4 oz Agave syrup
• 2-3 fresh Mint leaves

Preparation

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine Espanita Double Barrel Añejo Tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, agave syrup.
2. Tear up 2 or 3 mint leaves and drop into a shaker.
3. Add a handful of ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Description

Riff on Sidecar classic cocktail

Tequila

On a Roll

Ingredients

• 2 oz Espanita Double Barrel Añejo Tequila
• 1 oz Coffee liqueur
• 3/4 oz chilled Heavy Cream
• 1/2 oz Cinnamon Simple Syrup
• 3 dashes Hella Cocktail’s Mexican Chocolate bitters

Preparation

1. Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and dry shake without ice for 30 seconds.
2. Add a handful of ice and shake for another 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass over fresh ice.

Description

Delicious drink inspired by White Russian

Tequila

Tequila on the Fly

Ingredients

• 1 oz Espanita Double Barrel Añejo Tequila
• 1 oz Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
• 1 oz Aperol
• 1/2 oz fresh Lemon juice
• 1/2 oz fresh Orange juice

Preparation

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine all the ingredients and a handful of ice.
2. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled coupe.
3. Take the orange peel in both hands, between the thumb and forefinger of each hand.
4. Twist over the glass, peel side down, to express the citrus oil onto the surface of the drink.
5. Discard the peel.

Description

Bright and fruity Paper Plane riff

Liqueur, Tequila

Kick It, Betty!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz Espanita Double Barrel Añejo Tequila
• 1 oz Campari
• 1/2 oz Ginger liqueur
• 1/2 oz Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes Orange bitters
• 2 dashes Ginger bitters
• 1 Expressed Orange peel

Preparation

1. In a cocktail shaker combine all the ingredient except orange peel.
2. Add ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
3. Strain in a chilled cocktail glass filled with fresh ice.

Description

Ginger-spiced riff on Negroni

Tequila

Living La Vida Loca

Ingredients

• 2 oz Espanita Double Barrel Añejo Tequila
• 1/2 oz Frangelico
• 1/2 oz Carpano Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth
• 1/2 oz Agave syrup
• 2 dashes Orange Bitters
• 2-3 dashes Warn Reserve Barrel-aged Coffee Pecan Cocktail Bitters
• 1 expressed Orange peel

Preparation

1. In a mixing glass, combine all the ingredients and add ice.
2. Stir well until the drink is thoroughly chilled.
3. Strain in a cocktail glass over large pieces of fresh ice.
4. Take the orange peel in both hands, between the thumb and forefinger of each hand.
5. Twist over the glass, peel side down, to express the citrus oil onto the surface of the drink.
6. Add the orange peel to the drink.

Description

Manhattan riff