I have another bubbly topped cocktail for you, just in time for Valentine’s Day. This tart, Sparkling Raspberry Tequila Cocktail is just what I needed today. Perfect for a special occasion, or just 5 o’clock. In my case, 5 o’clock fit the bill.

Since this is a Tequila based cocktail, I thought I’d explain the differences in case this is your first foray into buying Tequila. Tequila has a bad rap. It always brings visions of an over the top party and the hangover that ensues after someone has had too many shots. What is lost in this is that besides mass made harsh Tequila that we are all familiar with, there are many new premium and luxury brands that will give you a whole new perspective. It is having a renaissance of sorts. Many of these premium brands are made to be sipped in a proper glass and enjoyed with food just like you would enjoy wine. My new favorite that is completely accessible in price is Tequila Avion. It’s small batch, from the Highlands of Jalisco and made in stills. It’s outstanding for the price.

Types of Tequila

I highly recommend a good, Silver Tequila for this drink as you will definitely taste it in the drink.

Silver- Silver is Tequila that has not been aged.
Reposado- Aged between 1 to 12 months. Typically slightly smoky in flavor and light amber in color. This is aged in American and/or European oak barrels.
Añejo-Aged 1 to 2 years, richer flavor, smooth and a darker amber color. Also aged in American and/or European oak barrels.
Reserva- Aged a minimum of 3 1/2 years. Just like whisky, aged Tequila commands a high price. This is a caramel colored Tequila that has matured in oak barrels, acquiring the characteristics and complexity of both the Agave, the soils it’s grown on, and the woods they are aged in.

In addition to this, Tequila is not Tequila unless it comes from a handful of states in Mexico. Much like Champagne in France, Mexico has strict production laws when it comes to Tequila. There are, I believe 5 states were Agave can be officially be grown. The Agave region in Jalisco, was named a Unesco Heritage Site in 2006. You can read more about it here on their site.

There is also a really cool documentary, Agave: Spirit of a Nation, that I came across on a Delta flight a few months back, it was a real in depth snapshot of the making of Tequila. I highly recommend it!

So Let’s Make a Sparkling Raspberry Tequila cocktail!

Two things for the optimal taste of this cocktail: Good silver Tequila and a dry bubbly. I used a Spanish Sparkling Rosé for this one. Do not use a sweet sparkling wine or the cocktail will be very sweet. This drink has the tartness of a Margarita, but a little sweetness from the fruit and the dry finish with the bubbly. This is what you will need to make this cocktail:

Silver Tequila
Sparkling Rosé
Simple Syrup
Lime juice, fresh
Raspberries
A cocktail shaker
A fine strainer
6oz-8oz Coupe or rocks glasses (see note below)
Lime twist (optional)

To make the Sparkling Raspberry Tequila Cocktail, you start by add a couple of fresh Raspberries into the shaker, add Tequila, Simple Syrup, Lime juice and ice. Place the lid or other half of the shaker and shake until blended. As you shake, you will bruise and possibly break the Raspberries. This is what you want, you want the fruit to impart it’s flavor in the cocktail.

Sparkling rose, raspberries, lime, Tequila, simple syrup, shaker, glasses

Now, strain the liquid into a 6oz coupe or cocktail glass leaving the fruit and ice behind. Now top the drink with chilled sparkling Rosé, garnish with a Raspberry, and a lime twist (optional).

Note on the glasses: The coupe glass is really an old school Champagne glass that is having a moment. The one’s pictured are from Crate and Barrel, but you can use a regular rocks glass for this Sparkling Raspberry Tequila Cocktail.

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