5 Unexpected Summer Cocktail Ingredients

When most people think about summer cocktails, they tend to think of the classics, such as margaritas and piña coladas. However, you don’t have to stick to the same basic ingredients in order to enjoy delicious cocktails this summer. In fact, you might consider switching things up a bit by incorporating some less-expected ingredients into your summer drink recipes. Here are just a few surprising ingredient ideas, along with some great recipes to accompany them!

Ginger Beer

Ginger beer has a very strong and distinct taste, and it blends perfectly with many types of ingredients. Consider, for example, whipping up a strawberry Moscow mule. Simply combine one can of ginger beer with an ounce of strawberry-flavored vodka. You can even add some fresh strawberries or a watermelon wedge for garnish and additional fruity flavor.

Popsicles

Of course, what better time for popsicles than the dead heat of summer, especially as a means of cooling down? Try mixing up one part ginger ale to one part sweet champagne for a light and bubbly cocktail that’s perfect for summer. Just before you serve them up, add a fresh, juicy popsicle to the drink for extra flavor. Your guests can either watch the popsicle dissolve into the drink, or they can take it out and enjoy it for themselves.

Cranberries

Typically, cranberries are considered to be more of an autumn or winter drink, but they can also be surprisingly delicious in a crisp summer beverage. In fact, you can mix up a yummy cranberry margarita for your next summer gathering; it may sound like an odd combination of flavors, but trust us, it works. To craft this margarita, just start with your traditional margarita ingredients, but add a splash of fresh-squeezed cranberry juice (you can use store-bought if you’re short on time). Toss in a few fresh cranberries for garnish and additional flavor. Try our White Cranberry Margarita for refreshing cocktail, as well!

Port Wine

Thought port wine was just for enjoying on its own? Think again. There are all kinds of great recipes you can incorporate port wine into, especially during the summer months. If you’re in the mood for something fruity, consider making this recipe, which incorporates:

  • an ounce and a half of your favorite rum
  • a half ounce of port wine
  • a half ounce of orange curacao
  • a half ounce of fresh lime juice

Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice before straining into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge.

Cayenne Pepper

Spices are often one of the last things you’d think about putting into a summer cocktail. However, you’d be surprised at just how delicious of a kick cayenne pepper can add to the right beverage. Consider a cool cucumber cilantro margarita topped with just a dash of cayenne. The combination of subtle cucumber flavor with the punch of the cayenne will have all your guests asking for refills.

These are just a few less conventional ingredients to consider working into your easy to make at home cocktails. Not sure how to try these unique ingredients? Stop by Macayo’s at Scottsdale and Shea to try our new drink menu, complete with our new Macayo Mule, which features fresh ginger beer, Casamigos Blanco Tequila, and Patron Citronge Lime; and our Mule-Jito, a combo of two favorites that is tangy and sweet and features Sauza Blue Reposado Tequila, Licor 43, freshly-squeezed lime juice, club soda, coconut water, ginger beer and mint.

Tips For Flawless Grilling

Summer’s here, and that means it’s time to fire up the grill and enjoy time outside. However, grilling is an art form, and it takes lots of practice and technique to get it right every time. So if you struggle with getting the perfect sear on a grilled steak or creating the perfect carne asada at home, these tips are for you:

Preheat Plenty Early

One of the biggest mistakes people make when grilling is not giving the grill enough time to heat up. When you don’t let your grill preheat early enough, any meats you’re grilling won’t get that nice sear, and won’t be as juicy. That’s because a piping hot grill immediately sears meat on contact, creating a nice crust on the outer layer that seals in the juices on the inside. For best results, then, try to preheat your grill at least 25 minutes before you start cooking, especially if you’re cooking at a very high temperature.

The other benefit to preheating your grill plenty early is that this also allows time for any bacteria on the grill to be burned off completely.

Know How to Grill Different Meats

Furthermore, understand that different meats need to be treated differently on the grill. For instance, if you’re grilling pork, it’s best to do so on medium heat, whereas steaks should be cooked on high heat to get that sear. For cooking fish, it’s important that you grill on high heat and that you take the time to clean your grill off thoroughly before you get started. With ground beef, such as for hamburgers, the thickness of your patties will determine how long they should sit on the grill. Consider whipping up some great Mexican recipes with beef on the grill, such as carne asada. Yum!

No matter what kind of meat you’re grilling, remember that marinades and seasonings are your friend. Always marinate meats as far in advance as possible. If you’re short on time but still want flavorful meat, consider grilling with flank steak, which is great at absorbing marinades. Season red meats with salt, which helps to draw out juices before you put them on the grill and adds excellent flavor at the same time.

Perfect Use of Gas/Charcoal

Depending on the type of grill you have, there are also some other considerations you’ll want to keep in mind For example, if you have a charcoal grill, make sure to carefully select a charcoal that’s additive-free; ideally, you’ll want to choose a charcoal that’s nothing more than charred wood clumps. Unfortunately, some charcoals have additives that can negatively impact the taste of your grilled food.

If you’re using a gas grill, make sure you keep an eye on your propane levels and exercise additional precautions when handling propane tanks. Nothing’s worse than running out of propane halfway through cooking, so it’s a good idea to keep a spare propane tank handy, just to be safe.

There’s no denying that perfecting the art of grilling takes some time and practice. However, by keeping these tips in mind the next time you fire up the grill, you’ll be well on your way to more delicious barbecues. Above all else, be sure to make the most of your summer by grilling and spending time with your family as much as you can!

For other cooking and grilling tips and delicious, traditional Mexican recipes, follow the Macayo’s blog – and be sure to stop by your nearest Macayo’s to try the perfect carne asada!

How to Cook Like Your Favorite Chef

Do you enjoy cooking, but wish you had a little more skill in the kitchen? If so, you might be wondering what small steps you can take to better your overall cooking skills. In reality, there are a few simple tips you can follow to cook like your favorite chef without any special training.

Have the Right Tools On-Hand

For starters, cooking like a pro is all about having the right tools available to you. For example, you’re not going to be able to whip up delicious, pan-seared steaks without the right pan. For the absolute best results, you’ll need quality pots and pans, such as stainless steel or even cast iron. Yes, this means spending a little bit more on your kitchenware, but it’ll be more than worth it in the long run when your meals turn out even better.

Some specific kitchen gear that you don’t want to skimp on include:

  • pots and pans
  • utensils (spatulas, tongs, etc.)
  • small appliances (toaster ovens, panini presses, etc.)

Know Your Kitchen Terms

Ever found yourself reading a recipe, only to be thrown for a loop by some unfamiliar terms like “searing,” “emulsifying,” and the like? If so, then you’re not alone, as these are terms that are commonly used in professional kitchens but not so much by everyday home cooks.

Here are a few terms that tend to confuse home cooks, along with their definitions:

searing – cooking on very high heat in a pan to achieve a crispy outer edge, usually done on steaks and other cuts of meat before cooking completely.

sauteeing – cooking in a pan, usually with butter or oil, until slightly browned. This is typically done with veggies (such as chopped onions) and garlic.

julliene – a cutting method, used commonly on vegetables such as carrots. Entails cutting or slicing lengthwise into very thin slices.

reducing – allowing a liquid to burn off and thicken into a sauce of sorts; this is also common when cooking with wine, as reducing allows the alcohol to burn off.

Understand Meat-Cooking Temps

Finally, knowing your way around a cut of meat is vital when it comes to serving up delicious meals. Different meats need to be cooked to different temperatures, so having a quality meat thermometer on-hand is a must.

Steak is often the biggest challenge, as your dinner guests may have different preferences. As a general rule, rare steaks are cooked to 125 degrees Fahrenheit, 145 for medium, and 160 for well-done.

Some other meat-cooking temperatures to be aware of:

  • Chicken and turkey – 165 degrees
  • Fish – 140 degrees
  • Pork loin or ribs – 150 degrees
  • Pork shoulder – 190 degrees

As you can see, you don’t necessarily need to attend professional cooking classes to cook like a chef. All it takes is a little bit of practice and knowledge of kitchen basics. Of course, you can always check to see if your local community center or college is offering any cooking classes for you to partake in on the side.

Now, do you want to eat like your favorite chef? Be sure to stop by Macayo’s for our Chef-Inspired Menu starting June 7!

How to Host a Tequila Tasting

You’ve heard of wine-tasting (and maybe even beer-tasting) parties before, but have you ever had the privilege of participating in a tequila tasting? This is becoming an increasingly popular event among those who enjoy tequila. Hosting a tequila-tasting party is a great way to bring your loved ones together for a fun time. And who knows? You might even discover a new favorite tequila type or brand.

Hosting an at home cocktail party, such as a tequila tasting, is easier than you might think. Read on to learn the basics of a successful tequila tasting.

Types of Tequila

You can’t have a proper tequila-tasting event without a wide assortment of tequila. There are many different types of tequila available, and the different types are typically categorized by how long they’ve been aged. Make sure to have at least one of each of the following tequila types readily available for tasting at your party:

Tequila Añejo – tequila that’s been aged at least a year; tends to have a richer, oakier flavor and a deep color.

Tequila Reposado – tequila that’s been aged in an oak barrel for anywhere from two to 12 months. Tends to have a mellow aroma and is a little more harsh than the añejo.

Tequila Blanco – tequila that hasn’t been aged. Instead, it’s bottled immediately and typically doesn’t have any color to it at all.

Be sure to provide plenty of glasses for your guests to taste their tequila from. Wine glasses are best because they allow your guests to enjoy the aroma of the tequila before they taste.

How to “Taste”

So, what’s the proper method for tasting a tequila? Is it anything like wine tasting? Well…yes and no.

A good size for a tequila tasting is just half an ounce; it may not seem like much, especially if you’re serving it in wine glasses, but remember that tequila is a strong liquor. Furthermore, note that tequila should always be served at room temperature.

Once all your guests have a sampling of tequila in front of them, instruct them to gently swirl the tequila in the glass while holding their noses slightly above the rim of the glass; this will allow them to assess the aromas coming from the tequila itself.

Upon sipping the tequila, guests should hold it in their mouths for a moment before swallowing, which will allow them to get the full flavor. To ease the “burn” of the tequila after swallowing, instruct guests to exhale through their mouths. Ask your guests to note whether the tequila they tasted was mellow, full-bodied, light, or smooth. Not everybody’s opinions on the taste will be the same, which is part of the fun.

Food Pairings

When sampling an alcohol as strong a tequila, it’s also a good idea to provide some appropriate food pairings. Some great foods to pair with tequila and serve up to your guests include:

  • fresh fruit tarts
  • guacamole with tortilla chips
  • cocktail meatballs

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to a fun and insightful tequila tasting party that your guests will be talking about for weeks to come!

Your local Macayo’s has many types of tequilas to choose from. We’d love for you to stop by and try a kind you’ve never tried before! Be sure to try your favorite in our drink of choice, as well – the margarita!

5 Seasonal Summer Fruits for Your Summer Fiesta

Summer is almost here, and you know what that means! Lazy days poolside, bonfires, and barbecues with friends. However, it also means that seasonal summer fruit is about to be in heavy abundance.

Buying and enjoying fruit when it’s in-season comes with a number of benefits. For starters, in-season fruit is juicier, more flavorful, and fresher than at any other time during the year because it doesn’t have to be transported a long distance to your local grocery store or farmer’s market. Furthermore, fruit is also much more affordable when it’s in-season!

Here are five great fruits that’ll be in-season this summer, along with some seasonal summer fruit recipes for enjoying them!

Papayas

A papaya is a tropical fruit that’s jam-packed with Vitamin C and totally delicious, and it can be enjoyed in many ways. They’re commonly used in Mexican recipes, such as in a fiesta salad. However, they can also be eaten raw or used to make a tropical smoothie. We recommend cutting them in half, scooping out the seeds and spritzing with lemon juice for a fun kick.

Peaches

Peaches are the perfect summer fruit; soft, juicy, and succulent, they’re very refreshing and light. This makes them a wonderful ingredient for a freshly made smoothie. Simply blend together two cups of milk, two peaches, a quarter cup of orange juice, and ice for a yummy smoothie that’ll cool you off on the hottest of days.

Tomatillos

Tomatillos are always in season during the summer, and can be found at many stores and markets in Arizona. Tomatillos can be enjoyed on their own raw (just be sure to wash them first), but we think the best way to eat a tomatillo is in a homemade salsa – check out our recipe!

Apricots

When you’re craving something sweet this summer, you can’t go wrong with fresh apricots. These soft, sweet, and juicy fruits are the perfect healthy snack. One fun recipe you can try with apricots is to slice them up, sprinkle them with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, and bake them in a 350-degree oven for about 15 minutes. They’re like cinnamon apples, only even sweeter and more appropriate for summer.

Cucumbers

Looking for something a little less sweet? The cucumber is a perfect choice. You can enjoy cucumbers raw (just slice them into small pieces), on a sandwich, or in a salad. You can’t beat the crispiness of a fresh cucumber, especially in a bed of lettuce with ranch dressing, croutons, and some sliced tomato. You can even sautee them in olive oil to soften them up and smother with cheese and stewed tomatoes as a healthy side dish for your next Mexican-inspired meal.

Now that you’ve got some ideas for using these unique summer fruits, all that’s left to do is try them in our favorite recipes!

Throwing a Cinco de Mayo Party? Don’t Forget the Games!

With Cinco de Mayo just around the corner, many people find themselves planning to hold a huge fiesta with family and friends. If you’re thinking of throwing a Cinco de Mayo Phoenix fiesta this year, then you’re probably spending a lot of time focusing on the food and drinks you’ll be serving up. But what about providing your guests with some fun, Cinco do Mayo games and activities to celebrate the holiday? These three games are easy to set up, and range from kid-friendly to adults-only.

Chili Pepper Guessing Game

This one is probably best suited for adults — especially if you’re going to be serving up hot peppers that children aren’t likely to enjoy. Basically, the way this game works is that you set up a table with samples of a bunch of different peppers. None of the peppers will be labeled, and you can even blindfold players before they complete their tastings to make the game even harder.

With each tasting, players of the game will try to guess what specific type of pepper they’re eating. You can use anything from basic red and green peppers to more complex types such as  jalepeño and chile peppers. If you want to really throw your guests for a loop, consider adding ghost peppers into the mix!

Bust Out the Piñata

What kind of Cinco de Mayo party is complete without busting open a piñata full of goodies? You can keep this simple and make it kid-friendly by filling up a piñata with candies, crayons, and other fun toys. However, if you’re hosting an adult party, then you might want to consider making it a little more fun by filling the piñata with some little liquor bottles. 

This is an especially fun idea if you’ve set up a margarita bar at your party; your guests can use their liquor bottles from the piñata to spruce up their beverages!

The Limbo! (Kid-Friendly)

Finally, if you’re looking for an activity that’s a blast for adults and children alike, then consider doing the limbo! All you need for this game is a broom and maybe some fun music. Take turns having guests limbo underneath the broom as you lower it, making the game more challenging as you go. For children, you can make this a little easier by having them crawl under the limbo broom instead.

The game ends when only one player is left standing; the rest of the players are disqualified when they fail to limbo underneath the broom without touching it. 

Holding a successful Cinco de Mayo party takes a lot of planning and foresight, especially when it comes to incorporating some fun game and activity ideas. However, by keeping these Cinco de Mayo fiesta ideas in mind as you plan for the big day, you’ll be sure to have plenty of fun activities for your guests to partake in without having to spend a lot of money in the process at the same time.

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, and we’re celebrating big time over here at Macayo’s! Come on by to celebrate this holiday with us – we’d love to see you!

How to Set Up a Taco Bar

A taco bar is an enjoyable and relatively inexpensive way to feed a large group of people, making it ideal for parties, family gatherings, and even weddings! After all, who doesn’t love tacos? They’re totally customizable to suit anybody’s taste buds. Even vegetarians can enjoy a tofu taco loaded with peppers and onions. Read on to explore some tips and unique ideas on how to set up a taco bar.

Think Outside the Box

When most people think of tacos, they think ground beef, spicy and smoky seasonings, peppers, and salsa. However, a taco can be so much more than that, so get a little creative with the toppings you set out! In addition to ground beef, make sure you offer ground turkey (for those trying to eat a little healthier), carne asada, shredded chicken, or even shredded pork.

In terms of toppings, why not sweeten the deal by offering some pico de gallo, guacamole and tomatillo salsa?

Offer Different Shells

While you can probably get away with setting out some warm flour tortillas and hard shells, there are so many other options that your guests will appreciate. For example, make sure you offer both flour and corn tortillas, as some people have a preference one way or the other. Furthermore, for the health nuts in attendance, it’s also a good idea to set out some lettuce wraps and whole wheat tortillas.

Some people may prefer to eat their taco naked — without a shell, that is! If that’s the case, be sure to set out some bowls or consider setting out avocado, which can be filled with toppings as well.

Prep Ahead of Time

One of the things many people find out the hard way when it comes to setting up a taco bar for parties is that chopping up all those ingredients for toppings is very time consuming. As such, it’s a good idea to recruit some help from a few friends, if possible, to assist you in chopping duties before the party. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to prepare the ingredients as well; after all, there will be a lot of them. You can keep them fresh by storing them in air-tight containers or zip-lock bags and placing them in your fridge until it’s time for the party to begin.

Setting up a taco bar can be a lot of fun, not only for you but for your guests as well. You can get so creative with a taco bar offering, and the possibilities are truly endless. Just be sure to keep these tips in mind as you prepare for your party; they’ll be sure to save you a great deal of time and ensure that your guests enjoy a flavorful meal at your event!

Don’t have time to set up your own ingredients? Try our Macayo’s Taco Platter! Our platter is complete with all the freshest taco ingredients you need for a delicious and convenient taco fiesta.

Best Non-Alcoholic Beverages to Serve Up at Your Cinco de Mayo Party

When most people think of Cinco de Mayo beverages, margaritas tend to come to mind. However, there are so many other beverages that are great for celebrating Cinco de Mayo in the desert, and they don’t have to have alcohol as an ingredient. These three simple beverage recipes are perfect for your Cinco de Mayo celebration — especially if you’ll be hosting a party with kids!

Virgin Margaritas

Margaritas can be just as delicious (or perhaps even more so) when they’re not mixed with tequila. With a virgin margarita, you can enjoy the full flavor of a margarita without the buzz of alcohol, which can sometimes help you to taste more of the fruit and other fresh ingredients. 

To create a delicious virgin margarita, you’ll need:

  • a can of frozen limeade
  • a cup of orange juice
  • two-thirds of a cup of grapefruit juice
  • lemon and lime slices (for garnish)
  • bar salt (for the rim of your glass)

Salt the rim of your margarita glass, then toss all of the ingredients (aside from the lemon/lime wedges for garnish) into a blender, along with ice. Blend until thoroughly mixed together, then pour into a margarita glass and garnish with a lime or lemon wedge. Yum!

Frozen Horchata

Want to deviate from the “norm” a bit? If so, you might want to try a frozen horchata, which is both refreshing and a little spicy (for those who like cinnamon)! Perhaps the best part about this recipe is that it only requires three ingredients:

  • a cup of vanilla rice milk
  • a cup of vanilla ice cream
  • a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon (or more, to taste)

Toss all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth, about thirty seconds in most cases. Then, pour into a glass and garnish with a tiny bit more cinnamon. Enjoy!

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Agua fresca is a very popular drink in Mexico. Why not make it even more delicious and refreshing by adding just a hint of watermelon flavor? To create a glass of watermelon agua fresca, you’re going to need:

  • four cups of finely chopped watermelon (without seeds)
  • the juice of one lime
  • a tablespoon of confectioner’s sugar
  • orange slices (for garnish)
  • fresh mint sprigs (also for garnish)

Start by tossing the watermelon into a blender. Puree it, then add the lime juice, sugar, and some ice. Blend until the mixture is nice and smooth. Then, pour the mixture into a glass and garnish with a fresh orange wedge and a sprig of fresh mint. Your guests will be sure to love this super refreshing and flavorful concoction; they won’t even miss the alcohol!

As you can see, there are all kinds of non-alcoholic Cinco de Mayo drinks that you can serve up for your big fiesta. Whether it be a virgin margarita that’s full of flavor, a frozen and spicy horchata, or even a tall glass of watermelon agua fresca, your party guests are sure to enjoy these beverages. If you want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo a little more, be sure to stop by Macayo’s Mexican Kitchen as we celebrate Cinco throughout April! 

Make (And Share!) Your Very Own Homemade Pico de Gallo

Pico de gallo is a wonderful condiment to serve up with your favorite Mexican and Spanish dishes. Whether scooped onto a tortilla chip or piled onto a taco, pico de gallo has a bold, fresh flavor that you simply can’t get with basic salsa alone.

Think you don’t have the time? Believe it or not, it’s easier and quicker than you think. All you need is 20 minutes to prep and an additional 20 minutes to let the flavors of the salsa fresca develop.

Making Delicious Macayo’s Pico de Gallo

You only need six basic ingredients to create salsa fresca at home. These ingredients are:

  • 2 lbs roma tomatoes, diced
  • ¾ lbs white onions, diced
  • 1 ¼ oz. jalapeno, diced
  • ½ oz. cucumber, diced
  • 2 oz. cilantro, chopped
  • ¾ oz. salt

This recipe will make six servings of pico de gallo, which should be enough for your typical meal for four and then some. If you want to have leftovers (to give to friends, to keep for yourself, or both), you can easily double your recipe as well.

Once you’ve chopped up all of your ingredients by hand, start by mixing the red onion, jalepeño, and lime juice into a bowl. Let it sit for about five or ten minutes, which will give a chance for the flavors to develop. Then, mix in your remaining ingredients and let the flavors develop for an additional 15 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Gifting Your Homemade Pico de Gallo

Rather than keeping all your delicious pico de gallo to yourself, however, why not gift it to some of your friends and loved ones? After all, nothing makes a better gift than homemade food with fresh ingredients. 

A fun and creative way to gift your pico s to put it into mason jars, which you can buy for a dollar or less at most grocery stores. Not only are mason jars cute and easy to decorate, but they hold the perfect amount of pico and will help to keep it fresh as well. Consider wrapping a fun bow around the jar to add a little decoration as well. Your friends will love it!

This pico de gallo recipe is perfect for your next Mexican food night, so be sure to give it a try! For more fun, easy and creative recipes, visit our recipe page and follow our blog! 

Set Up a Margarita Bar at Your Next Gathering

You can’t have a fiesta without margaritas. At the same time, however, hosting a fiesta and being responsible for “tending the bar” can be time consuming and can keep you from having a good time and socializing with your guests. As such, you might want to consider freeing yourself from the burden of making drinks for your guests by setting up a self-service margarita bar at your next gathering!

Stock Up on Tequilas and Liqueuers

Of course, a wide variety of tequilas and liqueurs is a must for any margarita bar. You’ll want to make sure you’ve got plenty of different types of tequila to choose from, including tequila that’s great for making cocktails (such as a blanco tequila) and tequila that can be enjoyed on-the-rocks, as well.

Furthermore, different fruits and liqueurs can help to add sweetness and depth of flavor to your guests’ margaritas. Some specific flavors to have on-hand include strawberry, mango and citrus. To really spice things up, you might even want to consider infusing some of your tequilas with fruits or chiles.

Don’t Forget the Mixers

In addition to liquor, you’ll want to have some non-alcoholic mixers that guests can mix into their beverages. Fresh lime juice, lemon juice, and orange juice are all staples of many tequila-based cocktails, such as margaritas. Sweet and sour mix is a must have. You can buy at your local liquor store or even make on your own, a great low calorie option, with the following ingredients:

  • fresh lemon juice
  • fresh lime juice
  • simple syrup
  • orange juice
  • water

Offer Spices and Garnishes

Margaritas are all about the spices and garnishes, so make sure to provide plenty of options guests can use to spruce up their cocktails. For starters, you’ll want to set up a tray lined with salt that people can dip their rims in. And since some people prefer sugar to salt, you’ll want to make sure to provide different sugars and other spices (such as dried ginger) for your guests. If you have a spice grinder, you can make these yourself, or you can save yourself some time and buy them fresh at your local market.