Chilling Cocktails for your Halloween Festivities

Time to eat, drink and be scary! Whether you’re preparing for a haunted Halloween party or staying in and watching scary movies, these chilling cocktail recipes from Hornitos Tequila and Pinnacle Vodka are certain to raise spirits during your Halloween festivities.  

Purple Haze Martini 

• 2 parts Pinnacle® Original Vodka
• 2 parts DeKuyper® Pucker® Grape Schnapps
• Splash Sour Mix
• Splash Lemon-Lime Soda

Preparation: Add ingredients to an ice-filled shaker. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass.

Potion de Muerto

• 2 parts Hornitos® Black Barrel® Tequila
• ¾ part fresh orange juice
• ¾ part fresh lemon juice
• ¾ part agave
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• ½ part beet juice

Preparation: Serve in a tall glass over crushed ice with a beet juice float – the beet juice will slowly float down the glass through the crushed ice, making it look like blood dropping down. Garnish with an orange slice.

Apple Barrel

• 2 parts Hornitos® Black Barrel® Tequila
• 1 part apple cider
• ¾ part fresh lime juice
• ½ part maple syrup
• 3 dashes Angostura® bitters
• Apple slice

Preparation: Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with an apple slice.

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Party like a President with Commander-in-Chief Cocktails

As the country gears up for the Presidential Inauguration on January 20 (WHYYYYYY), learn how to craft cocktails in the spirit of America’s former presidents (aka the good old days).  There are recipes to salute to the states with a range of ingredients that each man desired: 

·         Toast a Hornitos Renegade with Barack Obama as he loves a cold draft

·         Shake up a Rooseveltini like FDR loved to sip 

·         Taste Buchanan’s Best cognac cocktail in memory of James Buchanan’s liquor of choice 

So whether you want to party like POTUS or put a twist on your favorite Commander-in-Chief’s cocktail (hey Obama!), there’s a liberty libation for everyone to enjoy leading up to Inauguration Day. And, let's be real, this Inauguration calls for A LOT of drinks!

Hornitos Renegade 

·         1 ½ Parts Hornitos® Plata Tequila

·         4 Parts Mexican Lager

·         ⅓ Part Lime Juice

·         ⅓ Part Simple Syrup

·         1 Slice Jalapeño

·         Salt Rim

Preparation: Lightly muddle one jalapeño slice in a shaker, add ice and combine remainder of ingredients except Mexican lager. Shake vigorously and strain into a pilsner glass with a salted rim over fresh ice. Add Mexican lager and serve.

Rooseveltini  

·         2 parts Pinnacle® Vodka

·         1 part olive juice 

·         Olives for garnish

Preparation: Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with olives. 

Buchanan’s Best

·         1 part Courvoisier® V.S.O.P Cognac 

·         1 Demerara Sugar Cube

·         2 Dashes of Bitters 

·         Top with Champagne 

Preparation: Soak a sugar cube in bitters and drop into a cocktail coupe glass. Cover with Courvoisier V.S.O.P Cognac and slowly top with champagne.

Five Halloween Cocktails That Are So Good, It's Scary

                   

Corazón Diablo          Bewitching Berry                 Spider’s Kiss              Jack-O-Lantern               Black Cauldron

Hosting a frightful Halloween bash? This year, “treat or treat” guests with deliciously ghoulish cocktails that are sure to spook and satisfy. 

Allow guests to pick their favorite poison with five hauntingly good cocktails from 901 Tequila, Sauza Tequila, Hornitos Tequila, Skinnygirl Cocktails, and Pinnacle Vodka – certain to raise spirits during Halloween celebrations. 

Corazón Diablo

• 2 parts 901® Tequila
• 1 part Crème de cassis
• 1 shot espresso
• 1 part coffee liqueur
• ½  part simple syrup

Preparation: Combine all ingredients in mixing glass. Shake vigorously over ice. Strain over ice into martini glass. Garnish with sliced fig to mimic an “evil heart.”

Bewitching Berry

• 2 parts Sauza® Signature Blue Silver Tequila
• 1/2 parts peach juice
• 1/2 parts blackberry puree
• 1/2 parts lemon juice
• 1 part simple syrup
• Peach slice 
• Blackberry

Preparation: Add ingredients to an ice-filled shaker. Shake and strain over ice into a coupe glass. Garnish by skewering a fresh blackberry and a slice of peach with a knot stick.

Spider’s Kiss 

• 1 part Pinnacle® Original Vodka
• 1 part Midori® Melon Liqueur
• Fresh Lemon Juice
• Chocolate Syrup
• Orange Slice 

Preparation: Draw a chocolate web into a martini glass and place in the refrigerator to chill. Combine Midori®, Pinnacle® Vodka, and lemon juice in a shaker and strain into glass. Garnish with a chocolate dipped orange slice.

Jack-O-Lantern  

• 1 ½  parts Skinnygirl® Bare Naked Vodka
• 1 part canned unsweetened pumpkin
• ¾ part fat free sweetened condensed milk
• ¾ part unsweetened almond milk
• Pumpkin pie spice for garnish
• Club soda 

Preparation: Mix all ingredients except club soda. Pour over ice, top with club soda and garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

Black Cauldron

·         1 ½ parts Hornitos® Black Barrel® Tequila

·         ¾ part fresh lemon juice

·         ¼ part agave syrup

·         ¼ part sage simple syrup

·         2 dashes Angostura® bitters*

·         1 capsule activated charcoal**

Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon slice.

*All trademarks are the property of their respective owner.

**Adds a jet-black hue and a light, smoky flavor to the cocktail

Peace Out, Pumpkin - Not So Basic Fall Cocktails

Move over Pumpkin Spice, it’s time to celebrate fall in all its glory with some cocktails that feature more than just the season’s most popular (and played out) flavor. 

With ingredients like apple cider, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup, the cocktail recipes below from Sauza Tequila, 901 Tequila, Hornitos Tequila, Skinnygirl Cocktails, Pinnacle Vodka and Hard Rock Cafe are perfect for celebrating the new season with a twist. 

Sauza® Minted Mule 

·        1 part Sauza® Signature Blue Silver Tequila

·        1/2 part lime juice

·        3 parts ginger beer

·        mint leaves

Preparation: Add all ingredients to a copper cup and stir. Add ice to the cup and stir again. Garnish with mint leaves.

901® New Fashioned

·        2 parts 901® Tequila

·        2 dashes Angostura® bitters

·        1 part maple syrup

·        Blueberries for garnish

Preparation: Stir all ingredients over ice in rocks glasses. Garnish with skewered blueberries.

Hornitos® LA MAN-ZANA 

·        1 part Hornitos® Spiced Honey

·        1 part apple cider

·        ½ part lemon juice

·        4 parts Mexican lager

Preparation: Combine all ingredients except Mexican lager in a shaker, shake vigorously, strain over fresh ice and add Mexican lager.

Skinnygirl® Sweet Potato Pie Cocktail

·        1 ½ parts Skinnygirl® Bare Naked Vodka

·        1 part sweet potato puree 

·        ½ part DeKuyper® Buttershots® Butterscotch Schnapps 

·        ½ tsp cinnamon

·        Splash of ginger ale 

·        Orange slice for garnish

Preparation: Mix ingredients in a shaker and pour into a chilled glass over ice. Garnish with an orange slice.

Pinnacle® Whipped® Hot Cider 

• 1 part Pinnacle® Whipped Vodka
• 4 parts apple cider, hot
• Cinnamon for garnish 
• Whipped cream for garnish 

Preparation: First, pour vodka into a heat-proof mug then, fill the rest of the mug with hot apple cider. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish (optional). 

Hard Rock Cafe’s Rush on the Rocks 

·        2½ oz  apple juice

·        1½ oz  Crown Royal Maple Whisky 

·        1½ oz  sweet and sour mix

·        ¾ oz Monin Spiced Brown Sugar

·        Speared lemon wedge 

·        Cajun seasoning for rim

Preparation: Coat mason jar rim with Cajun seasoning. Mix apple juice, Crown Royal Maple Whisky, sweet and sour mix and Monin Spiced Brown Sugar in a shaker.  Pour over ice and garnish with speared lemon wedge. Enjoy!

Simple Cocktails for a Labor(less) Day!

Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Whether you’re throwing a backyard BBQ or pool party, these simply delicious cocktails from Hornitos Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Sauza Tequila and Skinnygirl Cocktails will lighten your Labor Day load with some labor-less cocktails. With recipes from easy to easier to easiest, these drinks will help you give summer a proper sendoff with minimal effort and lots of fun. 

Easy 

If you’re looking for an easy recipe to serve at your end-of-summer bash, mix up this pitcher-style cocktail ahead of time so you don’t have to play bartender all night. 

Sauza® Prickly Pink Margarita (serves 8)

·         1 cup Sauza® Signature Blue Silver Tequila

·         1/2 cup DeKuyper® Triple Sec

·         1/2 cup prickly pear syrup

·         1 cup limeade

·         Pear slices

·         Lime wedges

Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a pitcher with ice and stir. Strain into salt-rimmed glasses and serve. Garnish with pear slice and lime wedge.

Easier 

Regardless of your spirit of choice, these no-fuss recipes contain just a few simple ingredients and are a breeze to whip up at your BBQ. 

Pinnacle® Citrus Splash 

·         1 part Pinnacle® Citrus Vodka

·         2 parts Lemon-Lime Soda 

·         Raspberries 

Preparation: Mix in a glass with ice and garnish with a raspberry. 

Hornitos® Spicy Verde

·         2 parts Hornitos® Reposado Tequila

·         3 parts fresh pineapple juice

·         1/2 part fresh lime juice

·         2 dashes green habanero hot sauce

Preparation: Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime slice.

Easiest 

No time to think about drinks while your guests are arriving? This new ready to serve includes notes of cool lime and refreshing watermelon for the perfect summertime cocktail. 

Skinnygirl® Watermelon Lime Margarita 

·         5 parts Skinnygirl® Watermelon Lime Margarita

·         Watermelon wedge for garnish 

Preparation: Pour Skinnygirl® Watermelon Lime Margarita over ice and garnish with a watermelon wedge

A Halloween Cocktail For A Scary Good Time

Whether you’re pre-gaming for your favorite spot’s haunted party or keeping it low-key and staying in, Hornitos® Tequila has the recipe for making you a Halloween hero – or headless horseman or whatever role you take on this year! 

Hornitos® Tequila’s mixologist, Christian Sanders of Evelyn Drinkery in NYC, has created a Halloween cocktail that looks as though “blood” is dripping down the sides of the drink. The Instagram-worthy Potion de Muerto will blow your guests’ minds and set the spooky mood for what’s sure to be an epic night. Follow us on Instagram @hornitostequila and share your photo.

The Potion de Muerto is made with Hornitos® Black Barrel®, a super smooth, triple aged, 100% agave tequila uniquely aged to embark distinct and complex whiskey notes.

Potion de Muerto

·         2 parts Hornitos® Black Barrel®

·         ¾ part orange juice

·         ¾ part lemon juice

·         ¾ part chipotle agave *

·         2 dashes orange bitters

·         ½ part beet juice

*Substitute agave nectar for chipotle agave if unavailable.

Preparation: Serve in a tall glass over crushed ice with a beet juice float – the beet juice will slowly float down the glass through the crushed ice, making it look like blood dripping down. Garnish with an orange slice.

Set Sail this Columbus Day with Festive Craft Cocktails from Hornitos

This Columbus Day, raise your glass to the man bold enough to venture off and discover “The New World.” In honor of his discoveries, Hornitos® Tequila set out on an exploration of our own and have uncovered a treasure that is essential for your readers – introducing the refreshing Berried Treasure cocktail.

Hornitos® Tequila’s mixologist, Christian Sanders, created the Berried Treasure to celebrate America’s discovery, while also introducing some of the flavors of the fall with fresh blackberries and Hornitos® Reposado Tequila.

Berried Treasure

•     2 parts Hornitos® Reposado Tequila

·         ¾ part simple syrup *

·         ¾ part lemon

•     6-8 blackberries

•     1-2 rosemary sprigs

•     2 dashes Angostura® Bitters

*To make simple syrup, mix together 1 part sugar and 1 part water and bring to a boil (approximately 1-2 minutes). Cool before serving.

Preparation: Add rosemary sprig and muddle, then add 6 blackberries into a mixing glass and muddle. Add the rest of the ingredients and shake well. Double strain into an old fashioned glass. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and two blackberries.

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Cocktails to Impress Your Lady on National Wife Appreciation Day

While Sundays are reserved for football and hanging with the men in the man cave, this Sunday, September 21 is National Wife Appreciation Day. Hornitos® Tequila would like to remind men that a happy wife means a happy life, so take a timeout to show your significant other just how much she means to you. Express your appreciation for all that your special lady has tolerated with you by mixing up some Hornitos® Tequila drinks that will have her feeling like a queen.

Hornitos® Tequila’s mixologist, Christian Sanders of Evelyn Drinkery, has created a few cocktails that will help your audience impress their ladies and give them a chance to sit back, relax and sip on a delicious drink.

-          Cloud 9

-          Dulce y Picante

-          Sweet Amigo

Cloud 9

·         1 ½ parts Hornitos® Plata Tequila

·         ¾ part raspberry liqueur

·         ¼ part simple syrup *

·         ½ part lemon juice

·         2 dashes Angostura® Bitters

·         1 part sparkling wine

·         1 egg white

·         1 part heavy cream

*To make simple syrup, mix together 1 part sugar and 1 part water and bring to a boil (approximately 1-2 minutes). Cool before serving.

Preparation: Add all ingredients into a mixing glass, excluding sparkling wine. Shake well, without ice for approximately 10-12 seconds. Top with sparkling wine and pour into a Collins glass. Garnish with lavender.

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Dulce y Picante

·         1 ½ parts Hornitos® Plata Tequila

·         ½ part Green Chartreuse® Liqueur

·         ¾ part pineapple juice

·         1 jalapeno slice

·         ¾ part simple syrup*

·         ¾ part lime

·         Handful of cilantro

*To make simple syrup, mix together 1 part sugar and 1 part water and bring to a boil (approximately 1-2 minutes). Cool before serving.

Preparation: Muddle cilantro in a mixing glass, then gently muddle jalapeño on top of cilantro, then add remaining ingredients into a mixing glass. Shake well for approximately 8-10 seconds. Double strain into a double old fashioned glass rimmed with paprika sea salt. Garnish with a cilantro leaf and/or pineapple leaf.

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Sweet Amigo

·         1 ½ parts Hornitos® Reposado Tequila

·         ½ part apricot liqueur

·         ½ part honey

·         ¾ part lemon

·         ¾ part egg white

Preparation: Add all ingredients into a mixing glass. Shake without ice for approximately 10-12 seconds. Double strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with cinnamon.

A Labor-Less Labor Day with Hornitos Lime Shot

After laboring year round, everyone has earned a special drink and some additional time off. Whether you’re planning for a final summer hurrah or a relaxing weekend at home, Hornitos® Tequila wants to help you toast the unofficial end of summer without much work.

Have yourself a labor-less Labor Day with Hornitos® Lime Shot, which takes all the work out of the tequila shot occasion by combining Hornitos® Plata 100% blue agave tequila with the refreshing taste of lime and a hint of salt. No need to worry about using salt, lime and knives, this innovative spirit transforms the salt + tequila + lime ritual into a single bottle that is great tasting and convenient all in one.

If you’d rather sit back and enjoy a cocktail, there is no need to exhaust yourself by fixing drinks that require a lot of shaking or muddling. Hornitos® Tequila has a few easy to mix cocktails that contain just a few ingredients and are still delicious, proving again that Hornitos® is Not Just Any Tequila.

Caipiruila

·         1 ½ parts Hornitos® Plata Tequila

·         1 lime, quartered

·         3 tsp. sugar

·         Club soda

Preparation: Place lime and sugar into an old fashioned glass and muddle the ingredients. Fill the glass with crushed ice and add Hornitos® Plata. Top with club soda and serve.

Juan Collins

·         1 ½ parts Hornitos® Plata Tequila

·         1 part agave nectar

·         Splash of freshly squeezed orange juice

·         Club soda

Preparation: Add tequila, agave and squeeze fresh orange juice into a glass with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with orange and a basil leaf.

Cheers to the holiday weekend!