Jocelyn and I grew up in San Diego and the Latin influence in our family's cuisine was strong. We loved eating fresh fruit sprinkled with pico de gallo seasoning, a spice made of chili pepper, lemon salt, and sugar. We also loved eating out at our favorite family restaurant Ponce's, and as a special treat, got to order chilled Horchata. Now we're enjoying these same ingredients as adults, combined with Patrón Tequila to make two festive cocktails: one that's sweet and spicy, and another that's smooth and refreshing. Both capture Patrón Silver's subtle hints of citrus and blue agave.
Sweet & Spicy Melon Cocktail 5 cantaloupe balls 1.5 ounces Patrón Silver 1 ounce homemade sweet & sour ½ ounce melon liqueur Agave syrup for rim ½ teaspoon pico de gallo for rim
Directions: Muddle the five cantaloupe balls with the Patrón Silver, sweet and sour, and melon liqueur. Strain into a glass to filter out the remaining cantaloupe pieces and set aside. Dip the rim of your glass into a thin layer of agave syrup, then a shallow layer of pico de gallo spice. Fill the glass with ice and pour the cocktail mixture in. Garnish with a lime wheel and cantaloupe ball.
Coconut Horchata Cocktail 3 ounces horchata 1.5 ounces Patrón Silver 1/8 nutmeg 1/8 cinnamon 2 tablespoons coconut cream 1 tablespoon agave nectar
Directions: Combine all of the ingredients in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well, then pour into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg.