TEQUILA-INSPIRED COCKTAILS
Tequila is experiencing an extraordinary surge in the U.S., driven by both established brands and boutique labels like Rodeo de las Aguas. In 2022, tequila surpassed whiskey in dollar sales, and industry experts predict it will soon overtake vodka as America’s top-selling spirit. This rapid growth reflects tequila’s rich traditions and the rising popularity of super-premium offerings. With the Royal Eagle Fund’s strategic investment in Rodeo de las Aguas, we are positioned to capitalize on these exciting trends, further shaping the tequila market.
Once primarily associated with Mexican and Latin-inspired venues, tequila has now become a staple across a wide variety of cocktail menus, thanks to a growing appreciation for its quality and craftsmanship. Consumers are willing to pay a premium for refined spirits, and tequila is now recognized as a sophisticated option.
The surge of celebrity-backed tequila brands has also played a role in this category’s growth. Figures like George Clooney, LeBron James, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have launched successful tequila ventures, boosting demand for artisanal and super-premium tequilas and helping propel the market to unprecedented heights.
Tequila’s versatility—from unaged blancos to oak-aged añejos—has attracted a diverse range of drinkers. As consumers become more knowledgeable about artisanal tequila production, they seek premium options, driving growth in retail and restaurants. Brands priced between $30 and $50 are leading sales. Rodeo de las Aguas is poised to meet this demand, offering innovative products, including barrel-finishing techniques that create more complex flavor profiles.
As single-barrel tequilas gain popularity, Rodeo de las Aguas continues to deliver exclusive, limited-run expressions for consumers who value quality and authenticity. This emphasis on craftsmanship positions the brand to thrive in the premium tequila market.
‘El Fantasma’ (The Phantom)
A spooky, yet elegant cocktail that combines the richness of Rodeo de las Aguas Tequila with the dark and mysterious flavors of blackberry and activated charcoal for a hauntingly beautiful drink.
This dark and delicious drink adds an air of mystery and intrigue—perfect for Halloween parties or spooky gatherings!
Ingredients
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ¾ oz agave syrup
- ½ oz blackberry liqueur (or fresh blackberries muddled)
- ¼ tsp activated charcoal powder (optional for color)
- Splash of club soda
- Ice
- Black salt (for rimming the glass)
- Fresh blackberries and a lime wheel for garnish
Instructions
- In a shaker, combine Rodeo de las Aguas Reposado Tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, blackberry liqueur (or muddled blackberries), and activated charcoal powder.
- Add ice and shake vigorously until well combined and chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Top with a splash of club soda for a touch of fizz.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh blackberries skewered on a cocktail pick.
The Royal Eagle Old Fashioned
A twist on the classic Old Fashioned, this drink highlights the richness of aged tequila.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp agave syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
Doheny Road Paloma
A refreshing, citrus-forward drink perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave syrup
- Club soda
- Grapefruit slice for garnish
Instructions
AUTHENTICITY AND QUALITY
Today’s tequila consumers demand authenticity and quality, much like whisky aficionados. Brands that focus on additive-free processes and artisanal production are gaining favor. Rodeo de las Aguas is positioned to capture this discerning market with small-batch tequilas that highlight craftsmanship over mass production. This shift supports Rodeo de las Aguas’ growth as a key player in the premium tequila sector.
Tequila’s presence has expanded significantly, not only in stores but on bar menus across the U.S., where bartenders are exploring its unique flavors in creative cocktails. Over the past decade, tequila has evolved from a go-to shot to a versatile spirit. Premium brands like Patrón and Casamigos have helped elevate its status, and now back bars are stocked with high-quality agave spirits.
While Margaritas are often the first cocktail associated with tequila, its versatility extends far beyond. Many premium tequilas can be sipped like fine Bourbons, and when used in cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, they add unique depth. Bartenders and enthusiasts are continually discovering new ways to showcase tequila’s complexity.
With aged varieties like reposado and añejo, tequila easily substitutes for whiskey in classic cocktails like the Negroni. As producers innovate and bartenders introduce new agave-based creations, tequila’s future looks brighter than ever. Its rich culture and diverse expressions are making tequila a staple behind the bar.
Tequila’s versatility has led to its rising prominence in bars and restaurants globally. Whether enjoyed neat or mixed into innovative cocktails, premium tequilas like Rodeo de las Aguas offer depth and complexity that elevate any drink. To celebrate this timeless spirit, we’ve curated five exceptional tequila-inspired cocktails using Rodeo de las Aguas expressions, showcasing the full range of tequila’s possibilities—from refreshing to bold, perfect for any occasion.
Rodeo Margarita
Add a little heat to your Margarita with this spicy take on the classic.
Ingredients
- 1 oz lime juice
- ¾ oz triple sec
- ½ oz agave syrup
- 1-2 slices of jalapeño
- Lime wedge and jalapeño slice for garnish
Instructions
The Vice City Negroni
This rich and complex cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a bold flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Orange twist for garnish
Instructions
Sunrise at Rodeo Drive
A vibrant, fruity cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 oz fresh orange juice
- ½ oz grenadine
- Orange slice and cherry for garnish
Instructions
