Celebrate Día de Muertos with Espolòn Flor de Oro: Signature Cocktails and Traditions
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As we gear up for Día de Muertos, a lively celebration deeply woven into the colorful fabric of Mexican culture, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the cherished traditions that make this holiday so special.
This beloved occasion, celebrated from late October to early November each year, balances bittersweet remembrance and boundless joy, bringing families together to honor those who have passed away while enjoying the warmth of shared memories.
This year, Espolòn Tequila is stepping up the festivities with the launch of Espolòn Flor de Oro. This exceptional, first-of-its-kind tequila boasts a completely unique marigold flavor profile that pays tribute to Día de Muertos as well as the age-old artistry of tequila-making.
In this article, we explore fun and creative ways to incorporate Flor de Oro into your Day of the Dead celebrations, to showcase tradition, celebrate family, and use this remarkable tequila to pave the way for an unforgettable day.
Introducing Espolòn Flor de Oro: A new chapter in tequila
Get ready to experience a new gem in the Espolòn lineup: Flor de Oro! This innovative tequila stands out with its delightful blend of flavors and its deep cultural roots. The key to its unique flavor lies in its infusion of natural marigold extract—a tribute to the vibrant marigold flowers (cempasúchil), which are central to the holiday’s festivities.
These golden flowers are believed to guide the spirits of the departed back to their loved ones through their bright colors and rich aroma. You’ll find that same captivating floral aroma in Flor de Oro, making it the perfect companion for this holiday of remembrance and celebration.
The marigold essence in Flor de Oro doesn’t just capture the spirit of Día de Muertos—it’s complemented by the tequila’s aging process. After being infused with marigold extract, the liquid is aged for two months in new American oak barrels. This aging process enhances the inherent floral notes, lifting them into a fragrant bouquet that dances with fruity undertones, reminiscent of the fruits often found on traditional Day of the Dead altars. With each sip, you’re reminded of the aromas and offerings that celebrate life and memory.
What sets Flor de Oro apart within the Espolòn range is its ability to connect taste and tradition.It’s more than just a drink—it’s a sensory journey that honors the joy of reconnecting with loved ones who have passed.
The name Flor de Oro, which means golden flower, beautifully reflects the marigold flower’s significance in Mexican culture. These flowers symbolize life and death, serving as a bridge between the living and the departed during Día de Muertos, or Souls Day. With each sip of Flor de Oro, you’ll be reminded of the joyous memories shared with loved ones and the happy traditions that make this holiday so meaningful.
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Signature cocktails with Espolòn Flor de Oro
You can enjoy this versatile tequila on its own, on the rocks, or as the base for amazing Día de Muertos cocktails. This includes the following signature serves:
Marigold Margarita
Celebrate Día de Muertos with a twist on the classic Margarita, where the vibrant essence of marigold blooms meets the zesty brightness of fresh lime. This Marigold Margarita is a tribute to the spirit of the holiday, perfect for adding a dash of floral elegance to your festivities.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 oz Espolòn Flor de Oro
- 1 oz Fresh lime juice
- 07.5 oz Agave nectar
- To garnish, a marigold blossom
- Ice
METHOD
- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
- Garnish with a marigold and serve
TOP TIP: Rim the glass with a mixture of salt and chili powder or sugar and lime zest to add a flavorful kick.
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Flor de Oro Old Fashioned
Elevate your event with the Flor de Oro Old Fashioned, a sophisticated sipper that honors tradition while showcasing the unique flavors of Espolòn’s latest tequila. This twist on a classic adds delightful depth to the time-honored clinker, perfect for toasting to cherished memories during your Día de Muertos celebrations.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 oz Espolòn Flor de Oro
- 1 oz Piloncillo simple syrup
- 3 Dashes of Orange Cream Citrate
- To garnish, a dehydrated orange slice
- Ice
METHOD
- Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled.
- Pour into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice and serve.
TOP TIP: Freeze marigold petals, lime slices, or fruit juices into ice cubes. This not only looks stunning but also adds a subtle flavor as they melt.
Also see: 8 Popular Layered Cocktails that Always Make a Splash
How to celebrate Día de Muertos with Flor de Oro
Día de Muertos is a deeply cherished holiday that honors the lives of those who have passed. Families come together to make ofrenda offerings, decorate gravesites, and share meals, ensuring that the spirits of their loved ones who have died are welcomed back into their homes.
Adding Espolòn Flor de Oro to your Día de Muertos celebration will bring something extra special to the tradition. You can enjoy it in fun cocktail, use it as part of your festive decor, or even place it on your family’s altar as a tribute.
Traditions of Día de Muertos
Día de Muertos is rich with symbols, each carrying deep meaning and a unique way of honoring the deceased. Here are a few ideas of items that could be used to add a touch of authenticity to your Day of the Dead observance:
- Marigold flowers (Cempasúchil): A staple of Día de Muertos celebrations, believed to guide spirits back to the living with their bright color and fragrant scent. People often use these flowers, also known as flor de muerto, to decorate altars and graves.
- Skeletal imagery: Skeletons, or “calacas,” are central to the holiday, symbolizing the idea that death is a part of life. People often depict them in joyful poses, celebrating life instead of mourning death.
- Sugar skulls (calaveras): People use colorful sugar skulls, known as calaveras, to honor their deceased loved ones. Skulls are often inscribed with the name of the departed, serving as a reminder to celebrate their lives.
- Papel picado: These intricately cut tissue paper banners are often displayed during celebrations. The delicate designs symbolize the fragility of life and are a colorful addition to altars and party spaces.
- Pan de muerto: A traditional pastry, often shaped like a skull or decorated with bone-like shapes, represents the cycle of life and death and is typically placed on altars as an offering.
- Ofrendas: Altars created to honor deceased loved ones, filled with photographs, personal items, and offerings like food and drinks. Each element on the ofrenda has significance, making it a personalized tribute to the departed.
- Sand tapestries: These colorful, intricate designs created using colored sand and represent the beauty of life and the transitory nature of existence. They are sometimes made at gravesites or as part of community celebrations.
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Incorporating Flor de Oro into your celebration
Flor de Oro can be the centerpiece of your Día de Muertos festivities! Here are some creative ways to incorporate this unique tequila:
- Cocktails: Craft delicious cocktails featuring Flor de Oro that capture the spirit of the holiday. Think vibrant Margaritas or flavorful Tequila Sours garnished with marigold petals.
- Offering on altars: Consider placing a bottle of Flor de Oro on your altar as a heartfelt offering to your loved ones. Tequila and other liquors have traditionally been placed on ofrendas for hundreds of years. This time-honored offering symbolizes the joy of gathering and sharing moments together, just as families do during the holiday.
- Setting up a festive bar: Use marigold petals to decorate your serving area and consider using skull-themed glassware for cocktails. A colorful tablecloth adorned with traditional patterns can set the scene, making it a feast for the eyes and taste buds alike.
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Why Flor de Oro is perfect for Día de Muertos
Jesús Susunaga Acosta, Maestro Tequilero of Espolòn Tequila, sees Día de Muertos as an important vessel of intangible cultural heritage. It provides an opportunity for him to reflect on cherished memories filled with food, aromas, and tequila—traditions passed down from his mother and grandmother.
While he was creating Flor de Oro, the master craftsman drew inspiration from the moment an altar was placed at Casa San Nicolás in honor of Espolòn’s late founder, Master Distiller Cirilo Oropeza. Using marigold petals and the scents of Oropeza’s favorite foods, he crafted an infused reposado tequila to honor Cirilo and express gratitude for his years of dedication to the art of tequila-making.
Create your own signature cocktails with Flor de Oro
Keen to experiment with Flor de Oro to create mixed drinks to your own taste? Here are some insider insights from Campari Academy bartender, Tristram Fini:
“When crafting bespoke tequila creations, consider flavours that complement tequila, particularly those representative of its region of origin. The diverse food scene in Latin America offers a wealth of ingredients, such as mangoes, pineapples, and tomatillos, which can enhance tequila cocktails.
For a spicy twist, adding a fruit-based hot sauce like mango habanero can elevate a drink like a Margarita, infusing it with tropical nuances. Coconut is another intriguing flavour that pairs well with tequila.”
There you have it – a tasty guide on how to celebrate Día de Muertos with Espolòn Flor de Oro tequila. Let’s raise a glass to the memories and legacies that bring meaning to our lives! Remember to tag us in any pictures you share of your Day of the Dead get-togethers, and your Flor de Oro cocktails especially.
