Maybe one of the most fun parts about creating cocktails is putting together something as unexpected as this Spiced Honey Tequila Sangria. It is amazing!
For the holiday season I was asked to create a unique cocktail using Hornitos® Spiced Honey tequila — and I was specifically told not to make another margarita. I love margaritas, but I wanted something different, so I developed this Spiced Honey Tequila Sangria.
Over the past months I’ve been experimenting with Hornitos® products to make original recipes. One favorite is the Black Goblin, a riff on the White Russian made with Hornitos® Black Barrel tequila, coffee liqueur and cream. I also used tequila in a Thanksgiving dessert inspired by Mexican hot chocolate: a French Silk Pie with a touch of cayenne and tequila. These experiments reminded me how versatile tequila can be beyond the classic margarita.
Hornitos® Spiced Honey blends 100% blue agave Hornitos Plata tequila with natural honey flavor and a spice mix that adds floral honey, vanilla and a warm spice finish. Those caramel and spice notes pair beautifully with tequila’s citrusy, peppery and earthy character.
To complement those flavors I combined citrus, apple and a balanced dry red wine to make a sangria that’s ideal for holiday gatherings. The ingredients meld overnight, so you can mix the drink ahead of time and refrigerate it — a real timesaver when you’re entertaining.
For a festive touch I rimmed the glasses with sanding sugar in two colors: regular and gold. Sanding sugar is a larger crystal sugar used for cake decorating; it’s perfect for rimming cocktails. I sometimes blend sanding sugar with kosher salt for margaritas when I want a sweet-and-salty rim. If you haven’t tried sanding sugar, check the baking aisle at craft stores — they often carry several colors.
Tequila works surprisingly well in warm drinks and in lighter wines. The more I use it beyond margaritas, the more I discover its range. Give this Spiced Honey Tequila Sangria a try — it’s flavorful, easy to make ahead, and perfect for holiday toasts. Happy holidays!
PIN IT! ‘Spiced Honey Tequila Sangria’
Spiced Honey Tequila Sangria
Barb
- A bright, spiced sangria that pairs Hornitos® Spiced Honey tequila with red wine, citrus and fruit for a holiday-ready cocktail.
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine I used Pinot Noir but any dry red wine will work
- 1 cup Spiced Honey Tequila
- ¼ cup lime juice fresh squeezed
- ½ cup orange juice fresh squeezed
- ⅓ cup brown sugar adjust to taste depending on wine sweetness
- 1 orange cut in half and sliced thin
- 1 apple cored, halved and sliced thin
- 1 lime cut in half and sliced thin
For Garnish
- Sanding sugar available in craft stores; I used equal parts regular and gold
- orange, apple, and lime slices cut into quarters for garnish
Instructions
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In a large pitcher combine the red wine, Spiced Honey Tequila, lime juice and orange juice. Stir until combined and the sugar dissolves.
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Add the orange, lime and apple slices, mix well, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to chill and let flavors meld (overnight is best).
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To serve, rub the rim of each glass with a lime quarter and dip into sanding sugar. Fill glasses with ice, pour the sangria over the ice and garnish with fruit slices.