When people think of tequila, many still envision doing shots after licking salt off your hand and following it with a suck on a lime. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course. But a growing number of drinkers are discovering high-quality, craft tequilas that contain flavor profiles that are more complex than most red wines or any aged bourbon.

Tequila is also becoming a common base for cocktails. The craft cocktail/mixology/speakeasy trend that has taken off in many cities is introducing new generations to the joy of mixed drinks. While some establishments are pushing the boundaries of mixology by including……, there is something to be said for the classics. These are the cocktails your parents and grandparents drank. These are the cocktails you most likely can name whether you’ve ever had one or not. These are the cocktails that will be around forever.

But even the classics can use an update, every now and then. Here are some of those classics with a tequila twist:

Whiskey Sour > Tequila Sour

According to Mr. Boston Bartender's Guide, The Sour can be traced back to sailors who drank various spirits with citrus to prevent Scurvy. In America, drinkers typically use whiskey, specifically bourbon or rye. This recipe substitutes whiskey with Tequila Plata

INGREDIENTS:
1 oz. Riazul Tequila Plata
1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
1/2 oz. Lime Juice
3/4 oz. Agave

METHOD:
Shake with ice and serve over crushed ice. Garnish with lemon or lime slice.

Negroni > Negroni Blanco

According to liquor lore, the Negroni was concocted by Italian Count Camillo Negroni who, upon returning from a tour of America as a rodeo clown, put his own twist on the vermouth-based Americano, his favorite drink from the States. His version replaces soda water with gin. Our twist on this classic replaces the gin with Mezcal.

INGREDIENTS:
Riazuleño Mezcal Clasico
Aperol (An Italian apéritif, with a discernable bitter orange flavor)
Dry Vermouth
Mole Bitters

METHOD:
Stir into glass over ice. Garnish with orange peel or slice and serve.

Old Fashioned > Oaxacan Old Fashioned

This mix of sugar, bitters, whiskey, and citrus is as classic as classic gets. With the earliest iteration originating in 1806, the drink was concocted in various manners throughout its early history, but the four core ingredients have remained the same...until now. The sweetness from the tequila eliminates the need for sugar.

INGREDIENTS:
Riazul Tequila Plata
Riazuleño Mezcal Clasico
Mole Bitters

METHOD:
Stir and serve over ice in Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with orange peel.

Bellini > Tequila Llini

Originating as a simple, refreshing, effervescent summer cocktail, this typically combines peach puree or Peach Schnapps with Champagne or other sparkling wine, such as Prosecco. Our version adds a little more octane but remains a great cocktail to cool you off on a hot summer’s day.

INGREDIENTS:
1 oz. Riazul Tequila Reposado
1/2 oz. White Rum
1/2 oz. Peach Schnapps
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
1/2 oz. Creme de Cassis (black currant liqueur)
Splash of champagne, orange juice, and cranberry juice

METHOD:
Stir Tequila, Rum, Schnapps, triple sec, and Creme de Cassis. Pour over ice. Top off with Champagne or Prosecco, orange juice, and cranberry juice.