As the time to start-up the grill gets closer and closer, don’t let your cocktail menu go by the wayside – the drink selection is equally as important as your food spread! To make things easier, Hornitos  mixologist Carlos Abeyta has you covered with some pairing tips that will provide a well-rounded food and drink menu for what is sure to be the best-tasting barbecue of the season.

Hornitos LeMANade – (pairs well with Ribs)

This sweet cocktail perfectly balances the heat of your summer BBQ! Try pairing this drink with smoky baby back ribs.

 ·         2 parts Hornitos Plata Tequila
·         1 ½ parts ginger ale
·         1 ½ parts lemonade
·         ½ part lime juice
·         Lemon peel for garnish

Preparation: Combine ingredients in a glass and serve. Garnish with a lemon peel.

Spicy Cerveza Cocktail – (pairs well with Burgers)

It’s not a barbeque without a burger and beer – and tequila, of course! Pair this ice cold beer cocktail with a classic burger to complement its intense flavors.

·         1 ½ parts Hornitos Plata Tequila
·         4 parts Mexican lager
·         ⅓ part lime juice
·         ⅓ part simple syrup
·         1 slice jalapeño
·         Salt rim

Preparation: Muddle jalapeño in a glass with a salted rim, combine remainder of ingredients except Mexican lager in a shaker, shake vigorously, strain over fresh ice and add Mexican lager

Black Ginger –(pairs well with Pulled Pork)
Pulled pork calls for a refreshing dark spirit-based drink, and the Black Ginger offers just that! The “whiskey-like” flavors found in Hornitos Black Barrel pair perfectly with a spicy or barbeque glaze.

·         1 part Hornitos® Black Barrel® Tequila
·         ⅓ part simple syrup
·         ⅓ part lemon juice
·         Rosemary sprig
·         Top with Ginger Beer

Preparation: Lightly muddle one rosemary sprig in a glass, combine remainder of ingredients except ginger beer in a shaker with ice, shake vigorously, strain into the glass over fresh ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a rosemary sprig.