Cocktails Recipe

Happy Hour Cocktails

1. 1

   Prep: Rim and Chill

   Spread coarse salt on a small plate. Rub a lime wheel around the rim of three rocks glasses, then dip rims into the salt to coat. Place glasses in the freezer or fill with ice water to chill while you prepare the drinks.

2. 2

   Margarita (serves 3)

   In a cocktail shaker add 6 oz silver tequila, 3 oz fresh lime juice, 2 oz triple sec and 1 tbs agave nectar. Fill the shaker with ice, cap and shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until well chilled and slightly frosty. Dump ice/water from chilled glasses and strain the margarita into the prepared salted rims over fresh ice (divide evenly between 3 glasses). Garnish each with a lime wheel.

3. 3

   Paloma-style Highball (serves 3)

   In a large mixing pitcher or shaker combine 4 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 3 oz silver tequila (portion of the 6 oz total listed), and 1/2 tbs agave nectar (divide from the 1 tbs). Stir to combine. Fill three highball glasses with ice and pour the grapefruit-tequila mixture evenly into the glasses. Top each with about 1.3 oz (4 oz total) club soda to add effervescence. Garnish with a grapefruit twist or wheel. (If you prefer a classic Paloma, use more grapefruit juice and less soda.)

4. 4

   Rum Mojito (serves 3)

   Divide the remaining 6 oz light rum across three mixing glasses or one large pitcher (2 oz per serving). Add 12 fresh mint leaves and 1 tbs simple syrup (divide across servings) to the pitcher. Gently muddle the mint with the syrup just enough to release the oils — do not shred the leaves. Add crushed or cubed ice, pour the rum in, and stir or roll between two pitchers to chill and aerate. Pour into the chilled glasses (or into separate glasses filled with fresh ice), top each with club soda (divide remaining club soda if any) and add 2 dashes of bitters per serving (6 dashes total). Garnish each with mint sprigs and a lime wheel.

5. 5

   Assembly & Notes

   This recipe sheet yields three servings of each cocktail type when scaled from the given ingredient totals: three Margaritas, three Paloma-style highballs and three Mojitos — however the listed ingredient totals are organized to make three margaritas, three palomas and three mojitos when portions are divided as instructed. Adjust sweetness (agave/simple syrup) to taste; add extra club soda for lighter drinks. Use fresh citrus for best balance. Estimated total ice quantity and garnishes are provided for all drinks combined.