I've been working with Hornitos® for the past couple of months using their products to create some original recipes. For Halloween, we enjoyed the Black Goblin, a cocktail with Hornitos® Black Barrel Tequila, coffee liqueur, and cream that is a fun update to the White Russian and something that is really perfect all year round. I went a bit off the beaten path for Thanksgiving when they suggested we include tequila in a favorite recipe and this French Silk Pie with a Mexican Twist took inspiration from a Mexican Hot Chocolate and included the same tequila along with just a touch of cayenne pepper. You have to try this pie to get how totally amazing it is; all of the same rich chocolate flavor and texture of my favorite pie but with just enough heat to elicit surprise and leave a slight tickle. So perfect.
For the upcoming holiday season we were challenged to make something unique for the holiday using the Hornitos® Spiced Honey and it was specifically requested that our recipe not be another take on a margarita. Truth is...I'm always looking for a new take on a margarita so while I had pomegranate and persimmons dancing in my head, I settled down, gave it some thought and came up with something so different and so good I know we'll be trying this Spiced Honey Sangria again.
I wanted to add just a touch of holiday festivity to the look of this cocktail so I rimmed the glass with two kinds of sanding sugar; using both regular and gold. If you're not familiar with sanding sugar, it's basically a larger crystal sugar typically used for cake decorating that I've found is perfect for rimming cocktails. I'll often mix it with some kosher salt for my margaritas as I much prefer the combination of sweet and salty on my glass. If you've not tried it before, maybe it's time; it's a really lovely touch. While I'm sure you can find a resource online I've also found a nice assortment in different colors at my local craft store in the baking aisle.
I know it's unique but I've come to trust tequila in coffee, hot chocolate and white wine. The more I use it for something other than a margarita the more fun it is to discover how widely varied cocktails with tequila can be. Take this one for a spin, I promise you won't regret it and from me to you...Happy Holidays!