May Day has got to be one of the most underrated holidays in this part of the world, but I'm up for any excuse for a celebration of excess and what better way to do that than by sipping on some seriously heavenly Tequila Rose?
Tequila Rose
I've never been one for liqueurs, in all honesty. They're always enjoyable in expensive chocolates, but as a beverage I'd frankly rather have a straight spirit. I've tried Baileys Irish Cream on many a Christmas, but it never quite lived up to the hype for me.
That being said, I was more than a little pleasantly surprised by the Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream. I went into it with an open mind but didn't think I'd be a huge fan. However, this decadent liqueur actually made for the perfect palate cleanser following a dinner of medallion steak in a rich balsamic sauce alongside a mustardy potato salad.
As far as taste goes, it really is quite the ride. Benign looking, you kind of underestimate just how hard-hitting it's going to be. On first sip, you get that initial eye-watering blast of alcohol, followed by the tangy, fruitiness of the tequila, finishing off with that exquisite creaminess. Real strawberries and cream can't get close to matching such a delectable creation.
The divine silkiness will have you coming back for more, but be careful. At 15%, it's not the most acute of alcoholic beverages, but a little does go a long way in this case. Drink it in small shots, or enjoy it as part of grown-up milkshakes and cocktails such as the "Rockin' Rose Cocktail"; a creation made of two parts Tequila Rose to one part butterscotch Schnapps, shaken or strained.
It's a surprisingly versatile liqueur. Coffee lovers can try blending 50ml Tequila Rose with 15ml coffee liqueur, 30ml caramel sauce, 60ml chilled espresso and 5 dashes of cherry bitters, garnished with toasted marshmellows for the perfect "Pick Me Up". Or, for a simpler "Espress Yourself" shot, 25ml Tequila Rose with 15ml coffee liqueuer, the latter layered over the former and topped with an Oreo cookie.
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You can go a little more daring with a hi-ball "In Hot Water" cocktail of 50ml Tequila Rose, 75ml watermelon juice, half a birdseye chilli, 5 basil leaves and dash of plum bitters, churned with crushed ice and top with watermelon slices. Or go ultra romantic with 50ml Tequila Rose, 25ml date syrup, a spoonful of strawberry jam, 100ml coconut cream, a scoop of vanilla ice-cream and 15ml maple syrup in this "Date Night" concoction.
Tequila Rose is now available from Tesco and Sainsburys. Grab yourself a bottle while the price sits at just £10 for a limited time only.
Tagged in Alcohol