Aztec Punch

This is a fabulous punch and an excellent example that Tequila is for more than Margaritas. It balances somewhere between a citrus cocktail and a dessert drink. Orgeat is a good choice for the sweetener since spiced almond milk called horchata is a common drink in central and South America.

I used Liber & Co. orgeat, a very thick and rich orgeat. It really sweetens well and carries the almond flavor better than most homemade orgeats I've made.

When blending the punch I mixed the cinnamon--dry powder--with the thick orgeat to prevent it from clumping and floating when combined with the liquor and juice.

The recipe calls for white or silver tequila: there's no difference, it's just a descriptor. But Tres Agaves rightly makes the claim that an un-aged tequila is the true expression of the spirit. You can more easily taste the bright and herbal flavors of a good tequila if it isn't hiding behind oak.

• 64 oz. white teqila (Tres Agaves used)
• 64 oz. grapefruit juice (100% white grapefruit juice recommended)
• 32 oz. cold black tea
• 4 oz. lemon juice
• 6 oz. orgeat (Liber & Co. used)
• 1/2 oz. orange bitters
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Mix all ingredients in a large punch bowl with a block of ice. (Serves 40)