Get to Know Tequila in a New Way

By Bev Rahj and Thom Collyns:

Here at IGTDSip, we seek to highlight beverages produced in Denver or Colorado beverages. As a Colorado-owned company since 2011, we welcome Arta Tequila even though it is not produced locally. In fact, it would not be a true Tequila if it were. Just as all true Champagnes only come from a specific terroir in France (the Champagne region!), true Tequilas like Arta only come from a certain region of Mexico – Arenal, Jalisco. Family-owned for generations, Arta is made in small batches and completely crafted on-site, from seed to bottle. Not far from the town of Tequila, acres of Blue Weber agave sprawl over the dry landscape of the Arta estate under the hot Jalisco sun. Jimadors (skilled harvesters) hand harvest the agaves, then process, distill and bottle on site. The results are three award-winning varieties:

Silver Triple distilled creates a clean, crisp, clear flavor with citrus tones.

Reposado Tinted amber from resting 11 months in oak barrels imparts a more complex flavor.

Añejo Aged up to 2.5 years in Kentucky Bourbon barrels infuses this with rich caramel color and flavors that hint of spice and cognac.

This beautiful Texas Monthly photo documentary traces the production of tequila in the Arenal region:  http://www.texasmonthly.com/story/where-tequila-comes-from

Here are three recipes we tried at an Arta Tequila event for food bloggers (that’s us). The cocktails were paired with delicious food from Machete Tequila & Tacos. Recipes are courtesy of Machete.

Arta Reposado Cucumber/Grapefruit Mojada

1 1/2 ounces of Arta Reposado
1 coin cucumber
3 mint leaves
1 1/2 ounces of fresh grapefruit juice
Squirt soda or grapefruit soda

Muddle the cucumber and mint; add ice in a cooler glass; add Arta Reposado and grapefruit juice. Top with Squirt or grapefruit soda. Mix and garnish with a coin of cucumber.

Arta Silver Raspberry/Peach Margarita

1 1/2 ounces of Arta Silver
1 ounce of Grand Marnier
Add a splash of Agave nectar
Add a squeeze of lime juice

Serve on the rocks in skinny cocktail glass; Garnish with a lime.

Arta Anejo Manhattan

1 1/2 ounces of Arta Anejo
3/4 ounce of Antica Formula Sweet Vermouth
1 Luxardo Maraschino Cherry

Combine above ingredients in a rocks glass; add a teaspoon of cherry juice over ice. Do not shake, stir. Garnish with an orange twist.

For more recipes from Arta Tequila, visit this website: http://www.artatequila.com/home#billboard4

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