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Cosy Up with Winter Tequila Cocktails: Espolòn Drinks to Keep You Warm

December 19, 2024 by

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When you think of tequila, your mind might leap straight to sunny beaches and zesty Margaritas, but it has so much more to offer. In fact, this agave-based spirit is a versatile year-round stalwart that can set the scene for winter tequila drinks that are as cosy and comforting as they are bold and refined.    

During the frosty months, Espolòn Tequila shines as the perfect base for elevated classics like the Añejo Old Fashioned and Tequila Negroni. These sophisticated clinkers highlight the depths of tequila, coaxing out its woody, smoky, and slightly sweet notes.    

Picture the richness of aged tequila paired with bitters and orange zest, or the herbal complexity of a Negroni reimagined with the unmistakable character of Espolòn Tequila. These aren’t just winter warmers—they’re an invitation to savour the season with every sip.   

Why aged tequila is perfect for winter cocktails

Bar cart with Espolòn Añejo and Reposado tequilas

Aged tequila offers a depth and warmth that’s perfectly suited to winter cocktails. Espolòn Añejo and Reposado, with their rich, complex profiles, prove that tequila isn’t just a summer spirit—it’s an all-weather star.    

Both expressions showcase the art of barrel aging, which brings out earthy, spicy, and slightly smoky notes, perfect for cosy, winter-inspired drinks. Reposado, with its hints of caramel and warming spice, pairs beautifully with seasonal ingredients like citrus, cinnamon, and vanilla. Añejo, with its bold layers of roasted agave, dried fruit, and butterscotch, is ideal for crafting drinks that rival your favourite whisky or rum-based classics.   

Whether paired with citrus for a crisp edge or stirred with simple syrup and aromatic bitters, aged tequila proves its versatility as a spirit that can elevate any cold weather gathering. It’s the perfect way to bring a little Mexican sunshine to your tequila drinks for cold weather line-up.    

Top 5 Espolòn Tequila cocktails for winter

1. Añejo Old Fashioned

Espolòn Old Fashioned on a wooden table, with a hand squeezing a lemon peel, releasing its oils into the cocktail

The Old Fashioned is a timeless favourite, famous for its simple elegance and bold flavours. But when you swap the whiskey for silky aged tequila, it transforms into a winter-ready masterpiece.  

The Añejo Old Fashioned combines the earthy depth of aged agave with subtle spice and sweetness. Since the tequila is finished in bourbon barrels, it retains characteristics similar to a whiskey-based Old Fashioned, adding an extra layer of complexity. Perfect for slow sipping at sophisticated holiday gatherings, this twist on a classic is your ticket to cosy indulgence. 

Food pairing suggestions: We love serving these Espolòn winter drinks with bacon-wrapped dates, roasted jalapeño poppers, or mini smoked salmon tacos as canapés. It also goes perfectly with slow-roasted pork carnitas or mole chicken enchiladas.   

Also check: 8 Must-Try Añejo Tequila Cocktails   

2. Tequila Negroni

Two Tequila Negroni cocktails served with a cheese and cured meat board

The Tequila Negroni takes the classic Italian cocktail and gives it a bold, south-of-the-border twist. By swapping gin for Espolòn tequila, this version brings an earthy, agave-driven depth to the traditional blend of Campari, and sweet vermouth.    

It’s a sophisticated, slightly bitter aperitivo cocktail that feels right at home in the winter months. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening or hosting an intimate gathering, this dapper tequila cocktail is sure to impress.   

Food pairing suggestion: Pair your Tequila Negroni with a savoury caramelised onion and goat cheese tart. The rich, buttery crust and sweet onions beautifully balance the cocktail’s bitter edge, while the tangy goat cheese enhances the earthy agave notes in the tequila. This pairing transforms your drink into a centrepiece for a satisfying winter meal.   

Cuddle up: 11 Best Winter Cocktail Recipes for Chilly Evenings   

3. Tequila Espresso Martini

Two Tequila Espresso Martini Cocktails on a copper serving platter alongside a plate of churros in an inviting home setting

The Tequila Espresso Martini takes the beloved Espresso Martini and transforms it into a wintery delight with a spirited twist. Combining the deep, comforting flavours of espresso and coffee liqueur with the warmth of tequila, this cocktail is perfect for snug evenings and festive gatherings.    

Food pairing suggestion: Pair this delightful winter cocktail with a decadent slice of dark chocolate tart or tiramisu. The rich cocoa and coffee notes in these desserts complement the cocktail’s bold flavours, while their creamy textures soften the tequila’s earthy warmth.    

Stay saucy: 7 Boozy Puddings to Try this Weekend   

4. Tequila Hot Toddy

Two streaming Espolòn Tequila Hot Toddy cocktails in glass mugs with cinnamon garnish and blue kettle in the background

Warm up on chilly nights with a Tequila Hot Toddy that brings a Mexican twist to a classic. Start by pressing 5 cloves into a slice of lemon and setting it aside. In a heatproof glass or mug, combine 45 ml Espolòn Reposado Tequila, 1 tbsp honey, 15 ml fresh lemon juice, and 120 ml hot water. Stir until the honey dissolves completely. Add the clove-studded lemon slice and let it infuse for a minute to enhance the spiced notes. Garnish with a cinnamon stick for an aromatic finish.  

Food pairing suggestion: Enjoy these warm tequila drinks with servings of spiced apple cake or gingerbread cookies. The warm spices in the dessert will harmonise with the flavours of the cocktail, making for a cosy treat.   

Cheers, dears! 15 Whiskey Cocktails to Drink All Winter   

5. Warm Spiced Apple Cider Margarita

The Spiced Apple Cider Margarita brings together the crispness of cider with the warmth of tequila, making it a festive winter favourite. Start by warming 120 ml apple cider, a cinnamon stick, and a pinch of nutmeg in a small saucepan. Next, combine 45 ml Espolòn Reposado Tequila, 15 ml Grand Marnier, and 10 ml fresh lime juice in a warmed glass mug.  

Add the warm cider, stir gently, and garnish with a thin apple slice and a cinnamon stick for a fragrant finish.   

Food pairing suggestion: Serve these hot tequila cocktails with some roasted nuts or a charcuterie board featuring sharp cheddar and smoked meats. The savoury flavours will balance the sweetness of the cocktail, setting the scene for a satisfying combination.   

See next: 24 Easy Winter Cocktails to Warm Your Home   

Love tequila?

Friends enjoying Espolòn Tequila cocktails at a rooftop party

If you liked this article, here are a few others more we think you’ll also enjoy:    

A Beginner’s Guide to the Different Types of Tequila   

14 Best Tequila Mixers (What to Mix with Tequila)   

Your Guide to the Best Tequila for Margaritas   

Trending Cocktail Flavours with Espolòn Tequila: Recipes and Expert Tips   

The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Reposado Tequila Cocktails   

Now you know! We hope you are ready to whip up some amazing winter tequila drinks. Tag us when you post your pictures to Instagram and sign up for our newsletter to get the freshest drinkspiration served up in your inbox. In the meantime, check out the Espolòn website for more amazing tequila cocktail recipes.  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Absolutely! The earthy, spicy notes of tequila make it an ideal base for cosy winter cocktails. Aged varieties like Espolòn Reposado and Añejo bring warmth and depth to seasonal recipes, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional winter spirits like whiskey or rum.

Seasonal ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla beautifully enhance tequila’s natural warmth. Citrus fruits, apple cider, and honey pair perfectly, while coffee and chocolate add a decadent touch to winter-inspired creations.

Espolòn Reposado and Añejo are fantastic choices for winter cocktails. The hints of caramel and spice in Reposado complement seasonal flavours, while the rich notes of dried fruit and butterscotch in Añejo add depth to more robust drinks.

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