When it comes to authentic Mexican cocktails, few drinks are as vibrant and compelling as the Cantarito. With its roots firmly planted in the Tequila-rich heartland of Jalisco, this citrusy refresher has delighted locals for decades; even if its exact origin remains a little hazy.
The name ‘Cantarito’ derives from the diminutive of cántaro, which is a clay pitcher used for water in Mexico. These little clay jugs (jarritos de barro) are now the iconic vessels that keep the cocktail wonderfully cool under the blazing Jalisco sun. Legend has it the drink emerged in the early 20th century, perhaps around the Mexican Revolution, offering a fun twist on the classic Paloma with extra layers of fruity depth and charm.
A traditional Cantarito fuses Reposado Tequila with fresh citrus, grapefruit, orange, and lime juices, plus grapefruit soda, a pinch of salt, and sometimes a Tajín or chamoy-salt rim for a spicy-smoky kick. The results? A refreshing burst of zesty flavour that balances sweet, sour, salty and Jose Cuervo is the perfect Tequila for this refreshing cocktail.
Why is Jose Cuervo the perfect Cantarito Tequila?
Jose Cuervo is credited with inventing Tequila, its name derived from the town where the distillery was established in 1758.
Soon after production began, locals across Mexico’s Jalisco region were looking for ways to enjoy the spirit in refreshing serves to beat the heat and relax after a day’s work. Following several unsuccessful experiments with sour, bitter and overly sweet recipes, the Cantarito is believed to have been created.
The Cantarito blends the cooked agave notes of Jose Cuervo Reposado Tequila with hints of vanilla, clove, cinnamon and toffee, lifted by fresh citrus juices. The warmth and smoothness of the Jose Cuervo Reposado balance the tart flavours of grapefruit, lime and orange, resulting in a delicious, refreshing and well-rounded cocktail.
Why it’s Perfect for Aussie bartenders
With your bartenders shaking up the old-world magic of Jalisco right in your bar, pouring thick-cut citrus, fizzing grapefruit soda, and crisp Jose Cuervo Tequila into mini clay jugs that they garnish with wedges and rim them with Tajín or salt. You will be hitting so many consumer trends, this cocktail will be flying out of the shaker.
The Cantarito isn’t just a drink, it’s an experience you can sell. It invites drinkers to slow down, enjoy the cooling clay, sip at their own pace, and enjoy the show. It’s a slice of Mexico that’s both sophisticated and vibrant in presentation.
Agave boom in Australia: The perfect backdrop
Australia’s taste for Tequila and agave-based spirits is skyrocketing. The IWSR forecasts Tequila volume growth of seven to nine per cent between 2022 and 2027 in markets like Australia, and the agave category overall grew by 13 per cent in the 2021–2022 period. Locally, the Tequila market has doubled in five years, with Jose Cuervo at the heart of this growth.
Australia is now the third-largest market for Tequila outside the Americas, with demand so strong that agave spirit sales are now on par with gin in Australia’s wholesale channels.
As consumers rediscover a passion for Tequila, you can drive engagement and sales by offering them this new-old cocktail, with Jose Cuervo at its heart.
Bringing the Cantarito to life in your venue
- Serve it in clay: Even replica clay jarritos add authenticity and keep the drink cooler for longer.
- Play with rims: Try salt, Tajín, or chamoy for a fun visual and tasting edge.
- Let bartenders shine: Make each order a mini performance, clay jugs clinking, tall straws wobbling, citrus wedges flamboyantly placed.
- Use authentic Tequila: Jose Cuervo Reposado’s notes of vanilla, clove and cinnamon are the perfect partner for the Cantarito’s fresh citrus juices.
- Feature it seasonally: Summer is prime time, light, fresh, playful.
Whether it’s a sweltering day in Sydney or balmy evening in Brisbane, the Cuervo Cantarito offers a splash of Mexico with a side of flair. It’s not just another cocktail, it’s a conversation piece. A moment shared. And the perfect vehicle to showcase the authentic taste of Jose Cuervo Tequila.
Want to learn more about the Cuervo Cantarito? Get in touch with your local Proximo representative today.
The Classic Cantarito cocktail recipe:
INGREDIENTS
- 60ml Cuervo Tradicional Reposado Tequila
- 30ml Orange juice
- 20ml Grapefruit juice
- 20ml Lime juice
- 60ml Grapefruit soda
- Tajin Spice
DIRECTIONS
- Rim a highball glass with Tajin.
- Place all of the ingredients into the highball glass and then add ice.
- Lightly stir and garnish with a lime wedge. Salud!