As Cinco de Mayo approaches, Pernod Ricard’s Tequila portfolio has delicious offerings perfect for the holiday.  And to make the ocassion extra special try the cocktails below.

Altos Plata is recognized for its natural smoothness when sipped, and is a top choice tequila for margaritas by bartenders. Plata offers the herbal aroma of steamed agave and is sweet to the mouth with citrus notes like lime and lemon. If you’re going with a fruit margarita, it tends to pair better with mild and sweeter foods, so you couldn’t go wrong with a fruit salad or a dessert like a flan or sorbet. If you’re going with a frozen margarita, a spicier dish will actually compliment the milder flavors, so try fajitas or tamales.
SRP: $29.

Avion Reposado  is aged for six months, and  has a light amber color, an aroma of fire-roasted agaves and rosemary. On the palate, oak becomes evident along with sweet fruits such as nectarines, cherries and pears, and the finish is marked by citrus, honey, and more floral notes. Reposado can be sipped neat or incorporated into cocktails or margaritas. The reposado flavor develops into something on par with whiskey, making it great for spicy foods and meats like pork – something smokey, woodsy, flavors found  in your favorite barbecue.
SRP: $57.

Avión Reserva 44 Extra Añejo  is placed in oak barrels for 44 months — 43 of those months are spent in traditional oak barrels, and the final month is spent in “petite” oak barrels which are rotated daily. As a result, The tequila has a deep aroma of roasted agave, along with scents of vanilla and light citrus, particularly lemon zest. The nose gives way to flavors of dried fruits, cinnamon, and eucalyptus on the palate, which leads to an extremely long and rich finish. Anejos tequilas go great with luxurious, flavorful desserts like churros, Creme Brulee or something as simple as frozen peaches or dark chocolate.
SRP $169.

Tommy’s Margarita 

·       2 parts Altos Plata  

·       1 Part Lime juice 

·       1/2 Part Agave Syrup 

Garnish with a lemon wedge and salt rim 

Crafted Paloma 

·       2 parts Altos Plata   

·       2 parts fresh pink grapefruit juice 

·       1 part lemon juice 

·       1⁄2 part agave syrup 

·       A pinch of salt  

Garnish with a half slice of pink grapefruit, and rim glass with salt and smashed pink peppercorns.

Strawberry Ginger Paloma

·        1 part grapefruit juice 

·        2 tablespoons ginger beer 

·        1 ounce Altos Plata 

·        Fresh strawberries 

Pour grapefruit juice, ginger beer and tequila into a bowl. Next, add chopped strawberries and allow them to sit in the bowl for at least five minutes. Next, use a muddler or a wooden spoon to break down the strawberries. Last, pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer and then into a glass. Serve with ice and enjoy.

Ginger Spiced Old Fashioned 

·       2 parts Avión Añejo/Reposado 

·       5 parts Ginger Syrup 

·       2 dashes Angostura Bitters 

·       1 dash Orange bitters 

 Stir ingredients in an old fashioned glass over a large rock. Garnish with lemon and orange twist

Spicy Watermelon Margarita 

·       1 1/3 Part Altos Plata 

·       2/3 Part Ancho Reyes Verde  

·       ½ Part Basil Syrup  

·       1 1/2 Part Fresh Watermelon Juice 

·       2/3 Part Fresh Lime Juice 

Add ingredients to shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously. Double strain into tumbler with fresh ice. Garnish with small watermelon triangle and basil leaf.