Not many tequilas out there can claim a centennial recipe (being one of the pioneers of reposado) and being the number one premium unflavoured tequila brand in Canada. So when the opportunity comes up to join in on this epic celebration, you don’t say no. We were fortunate enough to join the Tequila CAZADORES familia and extended group of Toronto media, creators and socialites alike, to celebrate and learn a little more about the brand. Later sitting down with their North American brand ambassador, Alan Ruesga-Pelayo, a Jalisco, Mexico highlands native, transplanted and hailing from NYC–just for the occasion. Where Tequila CAZADORES and Silent H joined forces to create an extraordinary dining experience that beautifully marries tradition with innovation. Here we look to share with you the rich history of Tequila CAZADORES, a brand rooted in Mexican culture and dedicated to sustainability. At the same time, we delve into the culinary delights offered by Silent H, an elevated local restaurant that elevates traditional Mexican street food to new heights.
Sharing with you exclusive insight provided by Alan Ruesga-Pelayo, the North American Brand Ambassador for Tequila CAZADORES directly, to mouth-watering recipes and cocktail pairings, discover how these two powerhouses celebrate and enhance Mexican heritage. Whether you’re a tequila aficionado or a lover of fine cuisine, this collaboration promises a journey through the vibrant flavors and traditions of Mexico.
Exploring a century of tradition and sustainability
The Tequila CAZADORES recipe, developed in 1922 by Don José Maria in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, boasts a 100-year-old recipe. Alan Ruesga-Pelayo, the North American Brand Ambassador for Tequila Cazadores, shared, “For me, wherever I go, Mexican culture is something I feel very fortunate to carry. It’s about tequila, but also about our gastronomy, sports, traditions, and people.” This deep connection to Mexican heritage is evident in every bottle of Tequila CAZADORES. Did you know that Tequila CAZADORES bottles also have the popular saying, commonly recited when taking shots, on the bottom of the bottle: “Arriba, abajo, [al] centro, [pa] dentro!”
The production process of Tequila CAZADORES is a testament to its commitment to quality and sustainability. Using 100% highland Blue Weber agave, the tequila undergoes a seven-step, zero-waste production process, including double distillation and double fermentation. Alan emphasized, “We are sustainable. We are zero waste. From the harvesting of the agave to the bottling process, we ensure that our practices are environmentally friendly.” This dedication to sustainability sets Tequila CAZADORES apart in the industry.
“Tequila CAZADORES is the heart and soul of the Mexican community,”
Alan Ruesga-Pelayo
Alan Ruesga-Pelayo, who hails from Guadalajara, Jalisco, also shared his passion for tequila and Mexican culture. “Tequila CAZADORES is the heart and soul of the Mexican community,” he said. “Growing up, it was always present in our family celebrations. Now, my mission is to share this passion with the world.”
Alan also highlighted the brand’s sustainability efforts, noting, “We extract 99% of the juice from the agave and use the fibers to produce biofuel, which provides energy needed for our distillery. We also play classical music during fermentation, following Don Jose Maria’s original recipe, which we call the Mozart effect.”
The culinary journey at Silent H
Silent H, a chic and contemporary restaurant, brings the vibrant tastes of Mexican street food to an upscale dining experience in downtown Toronto. The restaurant’s commitment to culinary craftsmanship and traditional Mexican hospitality makes it a perfect partner for Tequila CAZADORES. The dinner event at Silent H featured a three-course meal, each paired with a specially crafted Tequila CAZADORES cocktail, showcasing the harmony between the tequila and Mexican cuisine.
First course
Food: Guacamole y chile quemado, tostadas de atún, queso flameado
Cocktail pairing: Tequila CAZADORES x Corona Sunrise
The first course set the tone for the evening with a trio of appetizers that highlighted the freshness and complexity of Mexican flavors. The guacamole y chile quemado offered a smoky twist on the classic dip, while the tostadas de atún featured delicate slices of tuna on crisp tortillas. The queso flameado, a melty cheese dish, was a crowd favorite. Paired with the Tequila Sunrise, made with Tequila CAZADORES Blanco, Corona Extra, orange juice, lime juice, and topped with Grenadine, it was a refreshing start to the meal.
Second course
Food: Tacos olvidados de camarón, cachetadas de rib eye, and tacos de trompo
Cocktail pairing: Mangoneada
The second course brought a variety of tacos that celebrated the diversity of Mexican cuisine. The tacos olvidados de camarón featured succulent shrimp, while the cachetadas de rib eye offered a hearty, flavourful bite. The tacos de trompo, with their perfectly seasoned meat, were a highlight. The Reposado Mangoneada, a cocktail made with Tequila CAZADORES Reposado, mango puree, lime juice, agave nectar, and chamoy, with a tajin-rimmed glass, provided a sweet and tangy complement to the savoury dishes.
Third course
Meal: El Favorito de Papá (translates to Dad’s favourite)
Cocktail pairing: Cazajillo
The final course, El Favorito de Papá, was a rich and satisfying dish that showcased traditional Mexican cooking techniques. Paired with the Cazajillo, a cocktail made with Tequila CAZADORES Añejo, Liquor 43, and espresso, garnished with a dehydrated grapefruit wheel, it was a perfect conclusion to the culinary journey. The robust flavors of the añejo tequila and the espresso created a harmonious blend that left a lasting impression.
Bring Mexico to you with these 4 Tequila CAZADORES cocktail recipes
Tequila CAZADORES is not just for restaurants and bars; it’s perfect for in-home get togethers as well. Alan encouraged readers to experiment with simple, high-quality ingredients to create memorable cocktails at home. Here are some recipes from the dinner event:
1. Cantarito Familiar Recipe
Ingredients for 1 batch:
- 1 1/2, bottles Tequila CAZADORES Reposado
- 25 oz, orange juice
- 10 oz, lime juice
- 25 oz, grapefruit juice
- 48 oz, grapefruit soda
- 1, teaspoon of salt
- 1, fresh lemon/lime/grapefruit slices for garnish
2. Tequila CAZADORES x Corona Sunrise Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 oz, Tequila CAZADORES Blanco
- 1 oz, orange juice
- 1/2 oz, lime juice
- Top with Corona Extra beer
- 1, bar spoon full of grenadine
- 1, fresh lime wedge for garnish
3. Mangoneada Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz, Tequila CAZADORES Reposado
- 1 oz, mango puree
- 1 oz, lime juice
- 1/2 oz, agave nectar
- 2 oz, chamoy
- Some tajin and some lime juice, used to rim glass.
- 1, dehydrated lime wheel for garnish
4. Cazajillo Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 oz, Tequila CAZADORES Añejo
- 1 oz, Liquor 43
- 1, espresso shot
- 1, dehydrated grapefruit wheel for garnish
A toast to tradition and innovation
For this invite-only celebratory dinner, Silent H executed an incredible dining experience. Both Silent H and Tequila CAZADORES emulate and bring the rich Mexican cultural heritage in what they do, and there’s no better way to do that, than to bring food and drink together. Through their commitment to quality, tradition, and sustainability, Tequila CAZADORES continues to set the standard for premium tequila. Whether enjoyed in a restaurant or at home, Tequila CAZADORES offers a taste of authentic Mexican culture that is sure to enhance any occasion.
For more information on Tequila CAZADORES and to explore their lineup, visit the Tequila CAZADORES website.
As always, a reminder to enjoy responsibly and do not drink and drive.
Photos by Shane D'Costa for Stamina Group Inc.
