If you enjoyed National Tequila Day and want to keep the celebrations going, the best way to do it is by planning a Mexican escape and visit the land of origin. Los Cabos’ is one the most popular getaways, and Mexico Grand Hotels is home to family-owned resorts overlooking panoramic views.

The Residences at Hacienda Encantada Resort and Residences feature two- to four-bedroom traditional-style villas that truly offer a home away from home with exclusive amenities including a private backyard, private pool and jacuzzi, fire pit, and high-end indoor and outdoor kitchens for families.

Vista Encantada Resort Spa & Residences’ signature restaurant, Mestizo del Mar, has a stunning picturesque clifftop setting, signature prime seafood specialties, and cocktails overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Tequila tastings are available at Mestizo del Mar from Tuesday to Sunday.

To get you in the spirit of a Mexican holiday we are sharing some expert tips on how to choose the best tequila and tequila pairings from Mexico Grand Hotels’ onsite sommelier, Jorge Leòn Jiménez.

Tequila Tips:

• Tequilas are classified by variety as blanco, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo. Each offers a range of aromatics and flavors according to its preparation. Tequila is very versatile, but also offers a defined style according to your palate.
• Jiménez recommends Tequila blanco (white) for fresh, citric and herbal notes. Jiménez recommends choosing a tequila blanco or reposado over other varieties for the most natural agave taste. If you’re looking for less intensity, añejo and extra añejo offer a pleasant sweetness.
• Before having your first sip of a tequila, it’s important to always clear your mind and think about lime juice; this will help the mouth to salivate so the alcoholic intensity does not retract the palate. Then, swish the tequila around your mouth before swallowing slowly and note how the palate feels more pleasant.

Tequila Pairings:

• Tequila blanco pairs well with raw fish, citrus salads or even pasta with fresh herbs. Reposado pairs well with chicken, pork, duck and lamb. Añejo and extra añejo pair well with Mexican dishes like cochinita, pork stew and salmon. If you want to simply enjoy a glass of añejo or extra añejo by itself, a small piece of roasted pineapple pairs very well.

Choosing Tequila:

• When choosing a tequila, think of the occasion and the food you will be serving, and make sure your tequila is made of 100% Blue Weber agave/agave azul and complies with the control standards of its destination of origin. And of course, the more you try different tequila options, the more you will be able to pick your favorites.

Mexico Grand Hotels Cocktail Recipes:

Tierra Mexicana Cocktail
Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz. Tequila Reposado
• 1 oz. Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur
• ½ oz. Hibiscus concentrate
  • Steep 500 grams of hibiscus flower in 350 ml boiling water. Separate the solids and use the liquid as the concentrate.
• ½ oz. natural lime juice
• ½. oz simple syrup

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake for 15 seconds. Serve in an old fashioned glass with large ice cubes and garnish with a hibiscus worm salt rim. Optional: add the leftover dried hibiscus flower from hibiscus juice concentrate.

Agave Citrico Cocktail
Ingredients:

• 2 oz. of Tequila Blanco
• Mandarin Basil Syrup (Mandarin juice infused with equal parts basil and 2 tablespoons sugar)
• 1/2 oz. natural lime juice
• Citrus shrub
• A pinch of salt

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 10 seconds, then strain through a Julep strainer and serve in a Coupe glass. Garnish with dried mandarin.