Celebrate! The tyranny of the margarita has finally come to an end! … Well sort of, because I have to admit this is one regime I am not really ready to toss out of office. But now at least we have choice, and a two party system is better for all involved. And in honor of superior choices, I recommend the Chimayó Cocktail, a creation credited to Arturo Jaramillo, owner of the Rancho de Chimayó restaurant in Chimayó New Mexico way back in 1965, and the Sparkling Chimayó created by me over a the course of an idyllic weekend in 2008. Just like the blessed margarita, the Chimayó Cocktail is a delightful sipping drink while the Sparkling Chimayó is the younger, sexier, and sweeter cousin.

Ready

• 2 oz Sparkling Cider (chilled)
• 1 ½ oz Tequila
• ½ oz (1.5 tsp) fresh lemon juice
• ¼ oz (1.5 tsp) crème de cassis
• ice

Set

On the rocks

• higball glass
• Stirrer

Chilled

• Martini Glass
• Cocktail shaker

Go

On the rocks

1. Build ingredients into a highball glass.
2. Stir and serve.

Chilled

1. Chill Martini glass
2. Pour ingredients into cocktails shaker
3. Add ice, cover and shaker with a light touch. Be warned that vigorous shaking will agitate the bubbles and make a mess.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass and serve.

What you should know

Sparkling cider offers the perfect mixer to the fine temperament of fine tequila. Although I prefer añejo when sipping tequila, a smooth silver is best for the Chimayó.