Sips & Synopsis - This Weeks Makings

• Día de los Muertos

• Trivia Question

• Drink of the Week - Hibiscus Tequila Sour

• DIY - Sugar Skull Garnish

Hello, cocktail lovers! This week, we’re celebrating Día de los Muertos—a beautiful Mexican holiday dedicated to honoring and remembering loved ones who’ve passed on. From colorful altars to joyful gatherings, Día de los Muertos is all about celebrating life. In the spirit of the holiday, we’re sharing cocktails inspired by Mexican flavors, ingredients, and traditions. Although the holiday originated in Mexico, it is also celebrated throughout Latin America and in the United States. Join us as we toast to memories, heritage, and joy!

Trivia Question❓

Which flower is traditionally used to decorate altars for Día de los Muertos?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Drink of the Week

The Hibiscus Tequila Sour is a vibrant, floral cocktail that combines the earthy flavor of tequila with the tartness of hibiscus, a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine (often used to make "agua de jamaica"). The deep red color is striking and festive, capturing the essence of Día de los Muertos celebrations.

How to Make Hibiscus Syrup

• Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers (found in many grocery stores or online)

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 cup sugar

• Instructions:

  1. Combine hibiscus flowers and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

  2. Remove from heat and strain to remove flowers.

  3. Stir in sugar until fully dissolved, then let cool before using in cocktails.

Tip: Hibiscus syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and is great in cocktails, teas, and lemonades.

Fun Fact: The Origins of Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) combines Indigenous Aztec traditions with Spanish Catholic influences, creating a unique holiday celebrated on November 1st and 2nd. Rather than a somber day, it’s joyful and colorful, filled with ofrendas (altars), marigold flowers, candles, and delicious food and drink. The tradition is a reminder to celebrate life and cherish memories of our loved ones with a spirit of joy.

DIY Corner: Sugar Skull Garnishes

How to Make Edible Sugar Skulls
Create mini edible sugar skulls as garnishes to capture the spirit of Día de los Muertos! These colorful sugar skulls are traditionally crafted and painted to celebrate loved ones and bring joyful color to the occasion.

• Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tsp water

  • 1/8 teaspoon extract of your preference, like vanilla, lemon, almond, etc

  • Writing icing tubes in several colors

• Instructions:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees F (approx 95 degrees C).

  2. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper

  3. In a bowl, combine the granulated sugar, water and extract of your choice.

  4. Using your fingers, combine everything really well until it feels like slightly wet sand.

  5. Take the skull mold and pack the granulated white sugar mixture really well, pushing with your fingers until every space of the mold is filled up.

  6. Turn them over carefully on the aluminum foil-prepared baking sheet, and bake for 15 minutes.

  7. Take them out of the oven and let them cool down, approx 30 minutes.

  8. Open your icing tubes and start decorating.

Tutorial with images and video