It’s my BIRTHDAY! Since I throw parties for a living you can only imagine how much I love celebrating my birthday. It’s not so much about me, it’s more about having a big celebration where everyone can get together and have a blast. Since tequila cocktails are my favorite - and every birthday girl should enjoy their favorite drink on their special day - today I’m sharing three delicious tequila cocktails that would make any birthday celebration extra special.
Everyone loves a classic margarita and today I’m sharing one of my new favorite varieties - the Prickly Pear Margarita. When I visited Arizona I bought myself a small bottle of prickly pear cactus juice, which is sweet and has a pretty purple hue. It is the perfect way to add a little sweet-tart flavor to a margarita and adds a lovely pop of color. I always serve my margaritas with a salted rim - it really tastes so good. These drinks will be so pretty to serve poolside and make any celebration extra festive! FIND THE RECIPE HERE
When a lot of friends are coming over I love having a few good cocktails made in a pitcher. This way I don’t have to make lots of individual cocktails, which is so time consuming when you’re having friends over. This cocktail is light and refreshing and great to serve poolside. It’s one of my favorites to serve in the heat of summer because it’s not too dehydrating and the grapefruit flavor is really nice and tart. I usually make this in advance of when guests come over and keep in the fridge until they arrive. Then I add the lime slices and people can serve themselves while we hang out and celebrate. FIND THE RECIPE HERE
The Paloma has become a popular cocktail in recent years and with good reason. The tang of the grapefruit juice is the perfect complement to tequila and it’s just the right amount of different from a classic margarita. What I like to do is spice mine up with a homemade spiced salt rim and slice of jalapeno. I make the spicy salt at home because it’s just kosher salt and cayenne pepper. The extra heat really livens up the drink and makes it great for a party! FIND THE RECIPE HERE
Day Ahead:
Assemble all the ingredients: tequila, mixers, fruit, salts
Wash serving glasses and prepare them for guests
Make home salts for rimming glasses
Day of the Party:
Set out homemade salts on shallow plates
Set out fresh lime juice on a shallow plate
Set up your tequila bar
Slice limes, peppers, and any other garnishes
Prepare pitcher of cocktails if using and chill until guests arrive
At the Party:
Designate a bartender to make cocktails individually
Or, set out pitchers of prepared cocktails for guests to serve themselves
Set out napkins for guests to grab with their beverage
Set out bottles of tequila so guests see what they are drinking
Enjoy!
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT. She is currently operating with COVID-safe procedures and is happy to discuss your event and catering needs with you. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekasevents.com or call 203.658.8659.