A refreshing blend of citrus juices, tequila and grapefruit soda, the Cantarito cocktail is a delicious Mexican tradition.
Tequila and grapefruit are a classic pair. Tonight’s cocktail is a cool and thirst-quenching concoction that combines not only grapefruit soda and the agave-forward spirit, but a mouth-watering mixture of lime, orange and grapefruit juices as well. And with a pinch of salt in each sip, the earthy and refreshing Cantarito continues to show us why it has been a tourist favorite in Mexico for decades.
Originating in the heart of tequila country, Jalisco, the Cantarito drink takes its name from the traditional receptacle, the cantarito, also known as the jarrito de barro, or clay jug, that it’s often served in. This itself helps keep the beverage cool, which makes sense as it was possibly first created for the workers that harvested the agave plant, helping keep them refreshed in the arid and hot climate as they worked.
During the 1970s, the Cantarito became quite popular with visiting tourists, and over time has become a mainstay in cantinas and restaurants all over Mexico and the Southwest.
What Is The Best Tequila To Use In A Cantarito?
The kind of tequila that you’ll want to use in this beverage will depend on what you’re in the mood for, and how balanced a drink you prefer. I like an even-tasting tipple, so I’ll opt for a blanco tequila, which is unaged, clear and has earthy and peppery notes on each sip. Mixed with the fruit juices and soda, the flavors won’t compete for the spotlight. If you’re craving something with a little more spice, try making your Cantarito with a reposado tequila, which is aged and amber colored, as well as being a little more robust tasting.
Ingredients
- A lime wheel for the rim
- A sprinkle of salt for the rim
- 1 ounce orange juice
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce grapefruit juice
- 2 ounces of tequila
- Grapefruit soda to top
- 1 grapefruit wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Rim the edge of a clay cantarito pot or a highball glass with a lime wedge and dip it into the salt. Add ice.
- Pour in the orange, lime, and grapefruit juice over the ice cubes in the glass.
- Add the tequila and stir well.
- Top it with grapefruit soda until the glass is full and garnish it with a grapefruit wedge.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
If the traditional clay cup is a little hard for you to get a hold of, a highball glass filled with ice will do nicely. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge on the salted rim and enjoy.
What grapefruit sodas are suggested to use?
For an authentic experience, I like to use Jarritos grapefruit soda in my Cantarito. If you can’t find any near you, Squirt is a popular brand that is pretty easy to shop for.
Similar Cocktails To The Cantarito
If tonight’s cocktail thoroughly satisfied your taste buds and senses on a hot and sunny day, then you might be in the mood for more tart and bubbly beverages that feature a balanced combination of spirit and citrus. Whether they’re mixed with lemons, limes or any other tart and tangy fruit, these concoctions below will cool you down on a summer’s day.
- Vampiro – Start your night with this spooky and refreshing elixir.
- Lonkero Long Drink – Enjoy a few of these Finnish Olympic thirst-quenchers.
- Gin & Juice – The classic combo of gin and citrus never goes out of style.
- Palomita – Here’s a crisp vodka version of the classic Paloma.
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