The Tuacarita Cooler will help take the edge off of those hot summer days

The long, hot summer is well under way.  You’re doing yard work, hosting barbecues, and just plain relaxing in the shade.  That means it’s time to get your summer coolers in order.  Just imagine you and a tall, frosty glass covered in condensation (just the glass, not you).

Last March the Utah Mixologist tried his first Tuacarita and loved it, as did Mrs. Mixologist.  Tuaca is a “vanilla citrus liqueur” that is golden brown in color, originated in Italy 500 years ago, and is readily available in Utah and across the US.  Its ingredients are, of course, secret but are reputed to include brandy, citrus (orange?), and vanilla. Tuaca tastes sweet, with vanilla as the dominant flavor, and goes well with Tequila.  So could the Tuacarita be converted to a summer cooler?

Sometimes, scaling a cocktail normally served “up” to a cooler is just a matter of adding soda, and the Tuacarita is almost one of those, requiring only minor changes.  Feel free to play around with the proportions (especially on the agave nectar) and post a response if you think you have a better recipe, but avoid increasing the liquor too much; hot weather combined with too many summer coolers can easily result in over consumption. 

Tuacarita Cooler

• 1 oz Tuaca® Liqueur
• 1 oz Herradura® Blanco Tequila
• ½ oz Triple Sec
• ¾ oz Lemon juice
• ¾ oz Lime juice
• ½ oz Agave nectar
• 2-3 oz Seltzer

Prepare a salt-rimmed Collins glass and fill it about 2/3 full of ice.  Add liquid ingredients to a shaker 2/3 full of ice.  Shake vigorously and strain into the glass. Top with Seltzer or soda water and stir lightly.  Garnish with a twist of lemon or a lime wheel (optional) and serve with a straw.  (You may also build this cocktail in the glass, but your drink will stay cooler longer if pre-chilled in a shaker…)  Kick back and relax!