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Sparkling Chimayó Cocktail

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.

Re: Sparkling Chimayó Cocktail

This drink has great flavor but is not overpowering to any degree. I tried this cocktail at a recent dinner party where they used cherry-colored sparkling cider which gave it a pale pink color. It made me think of the tropics which made me think of vacation…always a good thing.

Re: Sparkling Chimayó Cocktail