If you don’t already have a reminder in your Google Calendar, National Cocktail Day is March 24. Of course, just as we say on occasions like National Bloody Mary Day (January 1) and National Margarita Day (February 22), you don’t need to wait for a make-believe holiday to remind you it’s time to learn a new drink recipe and responsibly enjoy one or two cocktails.
But as long as we’re here, you could probably use a few new recipes for this National Cocktail Day, so we have you covered. Even better, let’s take this opportunity to introduce you to a few new brands as well. Who doesn’t love a good learning experience?
The Singani 63 Daiquiri
Spirit of Choice: Singani 63
What is Singani 63? Well, like with Ocean’s Eleven, Haywire, and Logan Lucky, we have director Steven Soderbergh to thank for this. That’s not to say he created the spirit known as singani—that recognition belongs to Bolivians who distilled Muscat of Alexandria grapes—but he is responsible for helping to bring this well-kept secret, the national spirit of Bolivia, to the U.S.
Now, because it is distilled from a fruit, Singani 63 is classified as a brandy, even though it’s not. In fact, the company is working hard to get singani its own classification so the confusion can end. In the meantime, we highly recommend giving this a shot (pun intended) and especially trying this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Singani 63
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- Lime wheel
How to Make It:
Shake all ingredients with ice, then strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Acre Mezcal’s Mar y Sol
Spirit of Choice: Acre Mezcal
As if Acre Baja wasn’t already one of the coolest hotels in Los Cabos, with its secluded treehouses and fabulous villas, it is also where our new favorite mezcals were conceived. This smoky spirit is finally having its moment in the spotlight, so if you’re looking to add a bottle to your collection, our first choice is the award-winning Acre Mezcal Cenizo. However, as we have tested this brand’s entire “fleet,” you can’t go wrong.
In fact, for this particular cocktail, you’ll need the Espadín, so you might as well load up on the whole collection and never think about another mezcal again.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Acre Mezcal Espadín
- 0.25 oz Agave Nectar
- 1.5 oz Triple Sec
- 1 oz Sweet & Sour
- 1 oz Lime Juice
- 1.5 oz Peach Purée
How to Make It:
Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime dipped in Tajin and an umbrella.
The Blood Orange Margarita
Spirit of Choice: One with Life Organic Tequila
A lot of people think that tequila is tequila, especially when it comes to choosing a blanco. While that might be the case for college students and people who mix their margaritas in Gatorade coolers, it’s simply not true. A good, clean, and delicious blanco can, first and foremost, stand alone—that means you can drop an ice ball and lime wedge in it and sip with delight.
That’s certainly how we feel about One with Life, a woman-owned brand that produces an exceptionally tasteful organic and kosher small batch blanco tequila. We’re huge fans of blood orange cocktails, so choosing this recipe from Scallions in Saratoga Springs, New York, was a no brainer.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz OWL Tequila
- 3 oz fresh blood orange juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz agave syrup
How to Make It:
Shake and pour over ice. Top with a splash of club soda.
