Quench your thirst with this straightforward Cantarito recipe! Brimming with Tequila, a medley of fresh citrus juices, and a splash of soda water, this refreshing cocktail is a summer staple.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
235
Ingredients
- 2 oz Tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp agave syrup - optional
- Soda water
- Ice cubes
- Salt - for rimming, optional
- Citrus slices - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cantarito Jar or Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Citrus Juicer
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: If you like, rim your glass with salt. Fill your Cantarito jar or highball glass with ice cubes.
- Add Tequila: Pour 2 oz Tequila over the ice.
- Add Citrus Juices: Measure and pour 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice, and 1 oz fresh orange juice into the glass.
- Sweeten: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add 1 tbsp agave syrup.
- Top with Soda: Fill the rest of the glass with soda water.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
- Garnish: Place citrus slices into the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Tequila: I've used mezcal when I ran out of Tequila; it gives a smoky flavor to the drink.
- Citrus Juices: If you're missing one of the citrus fruits, you can increase the quantities of the others or use a store-bought citrus juice blend in a pinch.
- Agave Syrup: Honey or simple syrup can replace agave syrup if unavailable.
Making a Pitcher of Cantarito:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Tequila and 8 oz of each citrus juice.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Tequila, citrus juices, and agave syrup. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled glasses, top with soda water, garnish with citrus slices, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic spirit like Seedlip as a substitute for Tequila.
- Proceed As Usual: Use the non-alcoholic substitute instead of the regular Tequila, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic Cantarito.
Making it Vegan:
- The Cantarito is inherently vegan as it does not contain any animal products. However, if you're using a substitute for agave syrup, ensure it's a vegan-friendly sweetener like maple syrup or a vegan simple syrup.
What is a Cantarito?
A Cantarito is a cocktail originating from Mexico, containing a blend of Tequila and assorted citrus juices. This drink, renowned for its zesty and refreshing flavor profile, is a staple in festive gatherings and is revered as a refreshing companion on warm days. The name “Cantarito” derives from the pot traditionally used to serve this lively concoction.
What is in a Cantarito – The ingredients
Here’s what you need to make a Cantarito:
- Tequila: Provides the foundational spirit and boldness to the cocktail.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Adds a tart and zesty flavor, enhancing the drink’s refreshing quality.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Contributes a sour note, balancing the sweetness of other ingredients.
- Fresh Grapefruit Juice: Offers a slightly bitter and tangy flavor, enriching the cocktail’s complexity.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Infuses a sweet and fruity essence, rounding out the citrus elements.
- Agave Syrup (optional): Sweetens the drink, counteracting the acidity of the citrus juices.
- Soda Water: Elevates the drink with bubbles, making it more refreshing.
- Ice Cubes: Chills the cocktail, ensuring it’s served cold.
- Salt (for rimming, optional): Enhances the flavors and adds a savory touch to the drink.
- Citrus slices (for garnish, optional): Decorates the drink and adds an extra layer of citrus aroma.
