5 Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo

Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo: Fiesta YOUR Way!

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Social distancing and quarantine don’t have to stop your fiesta! Check out these recipes for our 5 Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo! We shook things up and made a different Margarita every day going into May and leading up to our favorite celebration!

 

Watch the video for the how-to’s and recipes for our Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo.

 

Uno de Mayo

We started things off with our Grapefruit Basil Margarita on the rocks.  This unique cocktail puts a sweet and tart spin on the classic Margarita!

 

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Silver Tequila  – (We used Milagro… Feel free to use Patron or whatever YOU like!)

0.5 oz Triple Sec

0.5 oz Agave

3 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice

1/2 Fresh Lime Juiced 

5 Fresh Basil Leaves 

Recipe:

Start by filling up your tin with ice. Next, pour 1.5oz of [Milagro] Silver Tequila inside. Add 0.5oz of Triple Sec. Pour 3oz of Fresh Grapefruit Juice. Add 0.5oz of Agave (to taste). Next, take your fresh basil leaves in your hand and SLAP them! It warms them up, wakes up the essential oils in the herb, and adds herbaceous aroma and flavor to your cocktail!  Put the basil leaves inside the tin. Now you shake, shake, shake! Strain the mixture over ice. Garnish with a lime slice and a basil sprig.

 

Dos de Mayo

After day 1 of Margaritas, and day ?? of quarantine – -things started to get fuzzy.  It was the perfect time to throw in something sweet! This delicious drink is sure to be a hit! Our ‘Peach Fuzz Margarita’:

 

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Silver Tequila 

0.5 oz Peach Schnapps 

1 oz Sour Mix

2 oz Orange Juice (fresh is best!)

Recipe:

Start by filling up your tin with ice. Next, pour 1.5oz of [Milagro] Silver Tequila inside. Add 0.5oz of Peach Schnapps. Add 1oz of Sour Mix and 2oz of OJ to the tin. Now you shake it up! Dump your tin into your salted [or unsalted] cocktail glass – and enjoy!

 

Tres de Mayo

We don’t know about you… but we feel like we’ve replaced spending time with our friends and going out to the parks with…eating.  This next Margarita is for the calorie-conscious, and is a refreshing spin on the traditionally sweeter cocktail. Our ‘Cucumber Skinny Marg’…don’t let the name fool you: this drink has some strength!

 

Ingredients:

2 oz Silver Tequila 

0.5 oz Agave Nectar (to taste)

3 Slices Cucumber, plus 1 for garnish [4 total]

Juice of 1 Fresh Lime

San Pellegrino [or Club Soda]

Recipe:

This drink relies heavily on your ability to SHAKE to release the refreshing cucumber essence. Start by filling up your tin with ice. Next, pour 2 oz of [Milagro] Silver Tequila inside. Add 0.5oz of Agave Nectar [to taste]. Add 3 of your cucumber slices and juice your lime! Now you shake it til you make it! Strain over your salted [or unsalted] ice filled glass, and top with San Pellegrino.  You could use club soda instead – for an even bigger sparkle – but we prefer the smaller bubbles.

 

Cuatro de Mayo

Okay, okay. We get it. You’re not a fan of tequila! Well, worry not! This drink is for YOU! The jury is still out on whether or not this is officially a ‘Margarita’, since it’s missing its signature ingredient…but we’re gonna let it slide! Cheers to the Vodka-Rita!

 

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Vodka

0.75 oz Triple Sec

3 oz Sour Mix

 

Recipe:

This drink is a classic…almost. We’ve made one minor [major] change.  We’re swapping the tequila for vodka. Start by filling up your tin with ice. Next, pour in 1.5 oz of Vodka. Add 0.75 oz of Triple Sec.  Add 3 oz of your favorite sour mix – and shake it up! Pour shaken drink into your salted [or unsalted]…we did half salt – to get the best of both worlds – ice filled glass, and indulge. 

 

Cinco de Mayo

We’re kicking it up a notch for the best day of May! This Margarita will leave you wanting more. It’s sweet, spicy, and our personal favorite. Our Pineapple-Jalapeno Margarita!

 

Ingredients:

1.75 oz Silver Tequila

0.5 oz Triple Sec

1 oz Sour Mix

2 oz Pineapple Juice

4 Jalapeno Slices 

[Caution when cutting… PS you’re not supposed to be touching your face anyway]

Recipe:

Here’s our last recipe. Our sweet, spicy, and delicious finale.  We’re throwing in some spice, balancing it with some sweet – and definitely having some tacos. Start by filling up your tin with ice. Next, pour 1.75 oz of [Milagro] Silver Tequila inside. Add 0.5oz of Triple Sec.  Add 1oz of your favorite sour mix and 2oz of pineapple juice – and shake it up! Pour shaken drink into your salted [or unsalted],  ice filled glass, and enjoy.  

 

FYI: This one is not for slow drinking: the longer it sits with those Jalapeño slices and seeds – the SPICIER it gets.  You might want to keep an extra splash of Pineapple Juice nearby, in case it gets out of hand. 

 

Enjoy, or Disfruta, as they say in Mexico! And don’t forget to let us know which of the 5 Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo is YOUR favorite!

 

For more tips, recipes and information; check out our blog or visit our Pinterest Page!

Grapefruit Basil Margarita

Grapefruit Basil Margarita for Cinco de Mayo!

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Grapefruit Basil Margarita for Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is almost here! What better way to celebrate than with a margarita? This year, switch up your margarita game. Try our Grapefruit Basil Margarita for Cinco de Mayo and put a sweet and tart spin on a Cinco cocktail staple! 

Grapefruit Basil Margarita

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Silver Tequila  – (We used Milagro… Feel free to use Patron or whatever YOU like!)

0.5 oz Triple Sec

0.5 oz Agave

3 oz Fresh Grapefruit Juice

1/2 Fresh Lime Juiced 

5 Fresh Basil Leaves ?

Recipe:

Start by filling up your tin with ice. Next, pour 1.5oz of [Milagro] Silver Tequila inside. Add 0.5oz of Triple Sec. Pour 3oz of Fresh Grapefruit Juice. Add 0.5oz of Agave (to taste). Next, take your fresh basil leaves in your hand and SLAP them! It warms them up, wakes up the essential oils in the herb, and adds herbaceous aroma and flavor to your cocktail!  Put the basil leaves inside the tin. Now you shake, shake, shake! Strain the mixture over ice. Garnish with a lime slice and a basil sprig.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

¡Salud! 

View our Grapefruit Basil Margarita recipe video below, and check out our blog for more recipes and inspiration!

Looking for more information and recipes? Visit our YouTube channel to stay up to date with our latest video content!

 

5 Gin Cocktails to Suit Your Besties

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The warm weather is here and we have the perfect cocktails to pair with sunshine, good times, and great company (yes, virtual company included). This year gin is making a huge comeback. It is light, easy to drink, and has a distinct botanical flavor. The best part? There are SO many different ways to serve and enjoy it. You can cater to your entire friend group with these different takes on a classic spirit. For your next party (or FaceTime bonanza), think about sipping something new and different! Here are 5 different gin cocktails to suit your diverse friend group. 

 

Gin and Tonic 

Friend Profile: Your friend who loves gin. They have tried everything and always fall back to their favorite (that is also a classic). They don’t measure. They pour and go. Their measurements are probably 3/4 of the way gin, 1/4 tonic. And we are okay with that. 

Recipe: *Doesn’t matter*…making it for someone else?

Here is the recipe so you can make it:

2oz Gin

4oz-5oz of tonic

Garnish with lime wedge

Cucumber Lime Breeze (ShortStaf Recipe) ?

Friend Profile:  Peppy, bubbly, and wholesome. They say they are simple, but seek complex conversations, relationships, and cocktails. They always ask for a drink menu when you go out, scouring over each option- making sure the cocktail matches their mood. They rarely order the same thing twice. You can never order a drink for them because their preferences are always changing. 

Recipe:

3 slices cucumber

2oz Gin

Whole lime (cut in half and juiced)

This cocktail is shaken in a tin and strained over ice

Top the mixture with sparkling water

Garnish with a cucumber slice

Want to see how it is done? Watch our video and get more detailed instructions here!

Bees Knees ?

Friend profile: They are an optimist, love parties, and go for anything yellow. The pale, lovely color of this beverage matches their dazzling personality. The bees knees cocktail is little sweet, with the perfect amount of sour (just like your friend). They probably mention how this a prohibition era cocktail. (because they enjoy fun facts, and so do we).

Recipe: 

2oz gin

3/4 oz fresh lemon juice 

1oz honey syrup (what is honey syrup? Equal parts honey and hot water, stirred)

This cocktail is served up (shaken to perfection and strained into a martini glass…or solo cup. We don’t judge).

 

Negroni ??

Friend profile: Straightforward, strong, and to the point, just like this classic Italian cocktail. It only has 3 ingredients (that are all alcohol). The Negroni is a cocktail that grows on you. In the same way your friend approaches friendship, by the end of the conversation (or cocktail), you can tell that you guys will be BFFL. 

Recipe:

Equal parts (1oz)  Campari, Sweet Vermouth, and Gin

Served on the rocks

 

Gin and Juice ?

Friend profile: Probably hasn’t had gin before, but is totally up to give it a try. Has a great attitude when it comes to trying new things. Even if they don’t like it, they say something along the lines of “it is good! but maybe it just isn’t for me”. When it comes to gin and juice, they LOVE it. The ambiguity of the mixture entices them. Let them pick the juice of their choice and they are sure to be sipping their new favorite all night. 

Recipe: 

1oz-2oz gin

4oz-5oz juice

(based on personal taste)

Served on the rocks

Now, you have a gin cocktail to match the taste of ALL your friends! Enjoy one (or all) (responsibly) of these cocktails for your next party, virtual hangout, or in the comfort of your home. Cheers to that. 

pineapple mango fling cocktail

Try our Pineapple Mango Fling Cocktail

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In the mood for a frozen cocktail? We have you covered. Are we drinking this at home or on a Caribbean vacation…? We honestly can’t tell. Try our Pineapple Mango Fling cocktail!

 

Pineapple?Mango Fling ?

Pineapple Mango Fling

 

Here is the recipe and a how-to video so you can make the Pineapple Mango Fling cocktail yourself!

Take yourself on an instant vacation! ???

(***This recipe makes 2 cocktails***)

***Blender needed***

Ingredients:

2oz Bacardi White Rum

2oz Coconut Rum (We used Siesta Key Toasted Coconut Rum)

6oz (or 1 small can) Pineapple Juice

3/4 cup frozen Mango chunks

Ice to fill blender 3/4 of the way with ice 

Recipe:

Fill blender about 3/4 of the way with ice. Next add your 2oz Bacardi and 2oz Coconut Rum. Top with your pineapple juice. Add in mango chunks. Blend until smooth. Pour into the glass and garnish with whatever your heart desires! 

Cheers and enjoy responsibly! 

..If you’re digging some extra color or flavor: add a splash of Cranberry Juice to your glass before filling with the blended drink!

 

 

For more delicious recipes and ideas, check out our blog or our Pinterest page!

 

Strawberry Mojito Cocktail Recipe

Try our Strawberry Mojito Recipe

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Try our delicious Strawberry Mojito Recipe!

 

Strawberry Mojito

 

 

 

The Strawberry Mojito is a fresh, delicious twist on a classic Cuban cocktail. If you are looking for a tasty, insta-worthy cocktail, we have the perfect recipe for you!

Here is  our Strawberry Mojito Recipe:

2oz white rum

1/2 oz agave 

1 lime halved and juiced

2-3 sliced strawberries
(depending on size)

3-4 mint leaves 

(depending on size)

Sparkling water or Club Soda

Instructions:

Fill the tin with ice. Next pour 2oz of white rum. Add about a half ounce of agave. Juice your lime directly into the tin. Next, place your sliced strawberries and mint in. Shake this mixture vigorously. This will break up the strawberries, releasing their sweet aroma – and change the color to that beautiful pink color! Now, pour the mixture into your glass. You will notice that this does not fill up the glass.  Lastly, top the glass with sparkling water or club soda.

For extra insta-worthiness, garnish the glass with a strawberry slice and a mint leaf. 

You just made a strawberry mojito. Enjoy!

Check out our How-To recipe video below!

For more recipes and information, Don’t forget to check out our blog or our Pinterest page!

 

Cucumber Lime Breeze Cocktail

Cucumber Lime Breeze Cocktail

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Cucumber Lime Breeze Cocktail 

 

In the mood for a cool, refreshing cocktail? Look no further. Give our cucumber lime breeze cocktail a try, and you’ll be feeling as cool as a cucumber in no time. 

Ingredients:

2oz Tanqueray Gin

4 slices cucumber

1 Lime

Agave syrup (to taste)

San Pellegrino Sparkling Mineral Water

Directions:

Start by filling up your shaker with ice. Next, pour 2oz Tanqueray into the shaker. Take 3  cucumber slices and place them on top of the ice. Cut your lime in half, and juice each half into the tin. Pour agave to taste. Agave will sweeten the drink – So, if you like it sweet, go for it! Not so much? Just a drop will do. A little goes a long way, so probably 3/4oz at most!

Now, take your shaker, and shake shake SHAKE. This will break up the cucumbers and release that amazing flavor! 

Next, get your glass of choice and fill it to the top with ice. Take your shaken cocktail and strain it over the ice. There should be room in the glass.

Top off your drink with a splash of San Pellegrino. Garnish with your remaining slice of cucumber. 

Now, you have a cold, refreshing, and delicious cocktail!

Enjoy and stay cool!

Not a fan of gin? Try this delicious cocktail and substitute Vodka for gin!

 

For more information, recipes, and ideas : check out our blog or our Pinterest Page!

easy tropical punch

Easy Tropical Punch

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Here is our recipe for EASY tropical punch!  

Finally! It’s getting warmer out… now that Spring is here; we have been on the hunt for an easy, delicious, and tropical beverage. 

 

1.5 oz Vodka 

1.5 oz Coconut Rum

3 oz Pineapple Juice 

Top with Sprite 

(Splash of Cranberry Juice *optional*)

To make:

I like to build my drinks in a pint glass, then shake in a tin! This helps with measurements.

First, fill your glass up with ice (all the way to the top)!

Then, add 1.5 oz of vodka and 1.5 oz of Coconut rum.

Next, pour about 3 oz of pineapple juice into the glass. If you are using the miniature cans, that is half the can! If you don’t want to measure, you can always pour the juice until there is about 2 inches left in the glass.

Next, pour the glass into the shaker. Put the lid on, and shake shake shake!

Pour your shaken mixture back into the glass. Top with Sprite! Splash your Cranberry Juice, if you wish, and then garnish as you please!

Like your drinks less sweet? Switch out the Sprite for Club Soda or Seltzer! 

This Easy Tropical Punch will make you feel like you’re on vacation in no time. Enjoy! 

 

For more recipes, ideas, and tips visit our blog, or check out our Pinterest page!

Try our Key Lime Pie Martini

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Key Lime Pie Martini

Key Lime Pie Martini

 

 

Looking for a Green Cocktail this St. Patrick’s Day? This Key Lime Pie Martini goes great to help you ring-in Spring, or if you’re living in the endless summer like us… a cool refreshing treat!

Try this easy and delicious Key LimePie Martini that goes down a little too easy!

The graham cracker crumbs on the glass and the delicious flavors of this cocktail take you straight to the Florida Keys, while sporting your St. Patrick’s green! Sláinte!

 

You will need…

2oz Vanilla Vodka

1.5oz KeKe Key Lime Liquer

3/4oz Coco Reál Crème of Coconut

Splash of Pineapple Juice

Crushed Graham Cracker Crumbs

What to do…

Prepare your chilled martini glass by wetting the rim of the glass with a lime wedge. Dip into graham cracker crumbs.

Mix all liquid ingredients in a shaker over ice. Shake vigorously (at least 25x).

Strain and serve into your prepared, chilled martini glass.

For more information, recipes, and ideas check out our blog – or visit our Pinterest Page!

Classic Martini: 2 Ways!

Classic Martini – 2 Ways!

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…A Shake Through One of History’s Most Emblematic Cocktails…

Today we are shaking things up and offering some tips on how to make classic martini’s at home! Today we’re talking about a Classic Martini : How To: 2 Ways! Dry with a twist, and Dirty!

 

Check out our Classic Martini: How To Video!

Traditionally, the Martini was a cocktail composed of just two ingredients: gin and vermouth. The drink was typically garnished with a twist of lemon or olives.  However, since its inception – the Martini has become one of the most iconic, well-known alcoholic beverages in the world. They’ve come a long way from the start. Let’s take a quick look at the Martini’s transformation through the decades… 

The name Martini came from the brand name used by an Italian producer of vermouth in Italy, Alessandro Martini.  Still today, arguably the most well-known brand of vermouth.  

The Martini reached its height just in time for the roaring 20’s! At this time the Martini was comprised of London Dry Gin and Dry Vermouth in a 2:1 ratio, stirred over ice, and served strained into a cocktail glass.  At the time of the United States’ prohibition legislation, the illegal manufacturing of gin was relatively easy. This led to the predominance of this cocktail during this time. After Prohibition ended, the availability of quality gin led the drink to become progressively drier – that is, over time, the amount of vermouth in a Martini became less and less. 

It even became the norm to rub a finger with vermouth on it around the rim of the glass for just the “essence” of the botanical aroma. Or as Winston Churchill did – chilled his gin and “bowed in the direction of France” (another large producer of Vermouth). As the Martini evolved, it moved further and further from its roots and became anything but.  

By the 1970’s and 1980’s, the Martini was considered antiquated. The 1980’s brought about more complex and elaborate cocktails like Sex on the Beach, Long Island Iced Teas, Tequila Sunrises, and Mudslides.  

 

But in the mid-90’s, drinks served in a Martini cocktail glass gave the word “-tini” a whole new meaning.  A new wave of cocktails like the Espresso Martini, Appletini, Chocolate Martini took on the catchy suffix – but were made with vodka and other ingredients – not including dry vermouth – and therefore lacked any commonality with a true Martini.  

 

Today, Martini’s are enjoyed in many fashions.  Perhaps one of today’s most common orders for a Martini often implies folks are just asking for straight vodka chilled over ice – which isn’t really a Martini at all…    

 

Nonetheless, bartenders everywhere have their own unique twist on, and favorite variation of, one of the most symbolic cocktails in history. 

 

 

Here’s our recipes from the Classic Martini : 2 Ways video… and a bonus Appletini Recipe! 

 

Traditional Martini

3 oz Ketel One Vodka

½ oz Martini & Rossi Dry Vermouth

 

Shaken over ice, Strained and served in a chilled Martini cocktail glass

 

Twist a lemon rind (with twist-tool or a pairing knife – CAREFULLY!)

 

Rub twist around rim of glass to release the essential oils and aroma

 

Drop twisted rind into Martini 

 

 

Classic Dirty Martini

3 oz Ketel One Vodka

½ oz Olive Juice/Brine

 

Shaken over ice, Strained and served in a chilled Martini cocktail glass

 

Spear 3 Bleu-cheese stuffed (or regular) Olives

 

Drop olives into Martini 

—– 

 

BONUS : Appletini

2.5 oz Ketel One Vodka

1.5 oz Sour Apple Schnapps

Splash of Sweet-n-Sour drink mix

 

Shaken over ice, Strained and served in a chilled Martini cocktail glass

 

Garnish with 1 Maraschino cherry


What is YOUR favorite Martini? Tell us what recipes you’d like to see!

For more information, and tips on throwing the best dinner party : visit our blog or check out our Pinterest Page!

 

Pumpkin Pie Martini -Fall Cocktail Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Martini -Fall Cocktail

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We love fall here at ShortStaf and can’t wait to share this fun and easy Pumpkin Pie Martini-Fall Cocktail recipe!  It is perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any Fall Day or party with friends.

Let’s get started!

Things you will need to get set up…

  1. A shaker
  2. A one ounce measuring cup and a Tablespoon
  3. A martini glass
  4. Two small plates

Ingredients Needed:

  • Pumpkin Puree
  • GF graham cracker crumbs
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • Titos Vodka
  • RumChata Liquor
  • Water or Simple Syrup
  • Ice

The Recipe: You can also find this on our Pinterest page here.

2 oz Rum Chata

1 oz Vodka

2 tbs Pumpkin Puree

Pumpkin Pie Spice – Just a sprinkle on top.

 

How To:

 

Directions:

Start by getting your graham cracker rim ready! 

Wet the rim of the glass using your first plate with a layer of water or simple syrup in it, then dip the glass into the plate.  Then take your second plate and put a layer of the graham cracker crumbs and dip your wet rim into it. First step done!  Set your glass to the side.

The Cocktail!

Start by filling your shaker with ice.  Then add the first three ingredients (Titos, RumChata, and the Pumpkin Puree) into the shaker and shake it up for about 15 seconds.

Pour your delicious mix into your graham cracker rimmed martini glass, top with a sprinkle of Pumpkin Pie Spice to taste, and enjoy 🙂

That’s it!  Now sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Note: You can also substitute cinnamon for the Pumpkin Pie Spice on top if you want. Want it a little sweeter? Try this recipe using Vanilla Vodka and a few drops of Agave! 

Wanna see more recipes and party ideas like this?  Check out our Pinterest page for creative, quick and inexpensive ideas on how to wow your guests!

Don’t forget to check out our blog for more recipes and information!

Love the ShortStaf Team