My Tequila Valentine

So here’s what you’re gonna do:

1.5 oz good tequila, mezcal, or other agave-based spirit.

.25 oz Campari

.25 oz sweet vermouth

.25 oz dry vermouth

Fresh juice of one blood orange (about 2 oz).

Shake over ice and pour into a glass filled with crushed ice or ice cubes. Garnish with citrus peel if you are so inclined.

This is a fantastic drink for people who like tequila but don’t like margaritas.  (That’s me.)  Also, it’s a great way to use winter citrus–any kind of blood orange, regular orange, or tangerine would work well. Would also be fantastic with grapefruit. Just be sure you squeeze it fresh as you are making and serving the drink–citrus juice gets bitter if you let it sit too long.

As for brands:  I like a reposado tequila in this one.  Try Don Julio if you don’t already have a favorite.  Just make sure it says 100% Agave on the bottle.  Make sure your vermouth is fresh (recently opened) and of good quality.  Dolin is a good choice, but I injected an extra bit of awesomeness into this drink by making it with Punt e Mes and Vya.