Santo Tequila shakes up the perfect food and beverage pairing for Cinco de Mayo

Choosing a tequila can be as personal as a person’s signature cocktail. Some people gravitate the first bottle that they tried in college. Others prefer to pick based on recommendation from an expert. For those who want a higher drinking experience, Santo Tequila has become the spirited choice that has drinkers soaring toward the ultimate pour.

Created by Sammy Hagar and Guy Fieri, the tequila brand was borne out of the enjoyment of good friends and good times. While they both have a long history in the food and beverage world, it is the combined passion for the connection that food creates which makes this collaboration more than just another spirit. Beyond paying homage to the tequila making tradition, they raise the game on what the liquor can be.

While the brand has blanco, reposda, anejo, and mezquila in its line, each offering lends itself to a variety of pouring options. From a signature cocktail to a twist on a trending beverage, a bottle offers limitless creative possibilities.

From Cinco de Mayo to just any Friday, pairing a Santo Tequila cocktail with an iconic Guy Fieri dish will have everyone cheering. For those unfamiliar, Guy’s Trash Can Nachos are a signature on many of his restaurants’ menus. In addition, the dish can be purchased on Goldbelly. And, if for people who did not plan ahead, a similar recipe can be found on Food Network.

The combination of brisket, pickled onions, salsa, and more is a layered dream come true. Guy’s Trash Can Nachos ensure that every chip has a punch of flavor.

For this Cinco de Mayo, that iconic Guy Fieri dish pairs well with a variety of Santo Tequila cocktails. Thinking of the brisket nachos with the Santo Blanco, the earthy notes play off the smoky quality of the brisket. In turn, the citrus, spice and even florals contrast the brightness of the salsa and the heat from the jalapeno.

Since some people would prefer to enjoy a cocktail with those nachos, the Santo Blood Orange is a delightful choice. Here’s how to make it.

Santo Blood Orange

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Santo Blanco Tequila
• 3 oz Sparkling Blood Orange juice
• 1 oz Fresh Squeezed Lime juice
• 2 oz Cointreau

Method:

• Shake Santo Blanco, fresh squeezed lime juice and Cointreau in a shaker with ice. Strain over ice and top with sparkling blood orange juice.

While that food and beverage combination might be the start of a spirited event, another cocktail can be the choice to wind down as the evening’s celebration slows. Espresso martinis continue to trend, but vodka does not have to be the only liquor in the shake.

The Mole Espresso Martini features the Santo Mezquila. Even though making mole from scratch is not for the faint of heart, this recipe uses mole bitters, which are readily available. More importantly, the cocktail captures the complexity of mole. From the spice of the Ancho Reyes to the sweetness of the white crème de cacao, it is the perfect send off to a memorable evening.

Mole Espresso Martini

Ingredients

• 1.25 oz Santo Mezquila
• 2 oz Espresso
• .50 oz White creme de cacao
• .25 oz Mr. Blacks coffee amaro
• .25 oz Ancho Reyes
• .25 oz agave
• Dash of mole bitters

Method:

• Add all ingredients to a shaker and add ice. Shake for 15 seconds, double strain and garnish with cocoa dusted chili pepper.

Whether it is Cinco de Mayo, the fifth of September, or just a sunny Saturday, grab a botte of Santo Tequila, a flavorful recipe, and enjoy the time with friends. A great cocktail might be the excuse to gather but the spirited memories are truly the blessing.