This summertime Citrus Tequila Cocktail is an ode to Cazuelas Voladoras from Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico. Keep reading for the step by step recipe!
If you have traveled to the state of Jalisco, you may have visited Tlaquepaque. The charming city lies six miles southeast of Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest metropolitan area. Tlaquepaque is derived from Nahuatl and means “place above clay land”. That said, it is no surprise that Tlaquepaue is famous for its pottery. The Citrus Tequila Cocktail recipe is inspired by the city’s famous drink named Cazuelas Voladoras, which literally means flying pottery. The citrus laden cocktail is traditionally served in large beautifully painted clay pottery bowls and is garnished with various slices of citrus including limes, grapefruits, and oranges. Since the drink is served in a bowl, straws naturally accompany the libation.
While I drank this citrus cocktail only once, I distinctly recall not only the charming presentation of these Cazuelas Voladoras, but also their refreshing and delicious flavor. In addition to citrus, tequila is the primary liquor used in this recipe. Even though this wonderful drink is primarily made up of fresh squeezed juices, my recipe will sneak up on you. As such, do not underestimate its potency.
Sadly, I do not have my own set of beautiful Tlaquepaque clay pottery to present this inviting drink. However, a mason jar is a great alternative to display the beautiful slices of colorful citrus. I find that mason jars are not only inexpensive, but they are versatile glassware that can be used from a summertime barbecue to a chic garden party.
Now that I have explained the inspiration behind this Citrus Tequila Cocktail recipe, let’s make it! Scroll down for the step by step recipe:
Citrus Tequila Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh squeezed grapefruit juice 2 grapefruits
- ½ cup fresh squeezed orange juice 2 oranges
- ⅓ cup fresh squeezed lime juice 3 limes
- 6 oz Reposado Tequila
- ½ liter Fresca soda
- 2 cups ice
- 1 tbsp sea salt optional
Instructions
- Halve and juice one grapefruit. The juice should yield one cup. Pour the juice into a cocktail shaker. Slice the second grapefruit into bite size pieces. Set the slices aside as they will be used as garnish.
- Halve and juice two oranges. Juice three of the orange halves. The juice should yield ½ cup. Add the juice into the cocktail shaker. Slice the remaining orange halve into ¼ inch slices. Set the slices aside as they will be used as garnish.
- Halve and juice two limes. The juice should be equivalent to ⅓ cup of lime juice. Add the juice into the cocktail shaker. Slice the remaining lime into ¼ inch slices. Set the slices aside as they will be used as garnish.
- Add 6 oz of Reposado Tequila to the three freshly squeezed juices. Shake all of the ingredients for a couple of seconds to fully combine all of the liquids.
- Gather your choice of four 12 oz mason jars or 12 oz glasses to serve the cocktails.
- Add one slice of grapefruit, one slice of orange, and one slice of lime in each glass. Add ⅓ to ½ cup of ice to each glass.
- Pour approximately 8 oz of the citrus and tequila mixture to each glass. Top each drink with 4 oz of Fresca soda and stir lightly.
- Optional: finish each cocktail with a sprinkle of sea salt. If you have any remaining citrus slices, add a couple of slices to a cocktail pick to adorn your drink. I hope that you enjoy this Citrus Tequila Cocktail as much as I do. It is delightful, refreshing, and for a brief moment it will transport you to beautiful Tlaquepaque.
Tools used for this Citrus Tequila Cocktail:
Once you make this lovely citrus cocktail recipe, you will realize that it is fool proof.
If your juice measurements are slightly over or slightly under what I have listed in this recipe, you will not mess up this drink. However, I do have a couple of very important tips. First, use freshly squeezed juices in this recipe. Store bought juices or concentrates will not give this drink its authentic flavor. Always remember that fresh is best! Secondly, while I cannot recommend a particular brand of tequila, I will recommend a type of tequila. There are five different types of tequila and the one you choose to use in your cocktails will make a difference in quality. In my opinion, Reposado tequila, which is aged in wood casks from two months to a year, is the best type of tequila to use in cocktails.
For a smoky twist on Cazuelas Voladoras, a high-quality mezcal is a worthy tequila substitue. For an elegant twist, add one ounce of Cointreau to the recipe above. Lastly, if you prefer to serve this drink as a mocktail, simply omit the liquor. The mocktail will prove to be equally satisfying, plus, it can be enjoyed by the whole family.
If you have the opportunity to venture to the state of Jalisco, a stop by both Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque is essential. As a foodie, I reveled in the old colonial mansions of Tlaquepaque that have been converted into enchanting cafés and restaurants. In addition to these, my favorite spot is El Mercado de Tlaquepaque. This large enclosed market attracts visitors and locals alike for the wonderful Mexican delicacies that range from birria, gorditas, seafood, tortas ahogadas, and so much more.
