Dallas Mixmaster Jason Kosmas Suggests We Sip Tequila, Honey & Grapefruit to Celebrate Texas Independence Day

To celebrate Texas Independence Day tomorrow, we asked mixmaster Jason Kosmas to come up with an appropriately celebratory libation. Here’s what he (and we) will be drinking to honor March 2.

Old Fashioned Border Crossing

2 ounces Tequila Cabeza Blanco
¼ ounce of absinthe, herbsaint or pastis
¾ ounce of honey syrup*
2 dashes grapefruit bitters
1 large Rio Star grapefruit twist, for garnish
Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass. Strain into a rocks glass with large ice.
Garnish with grapefruit peel.

*To make the honey syrup: 2 cups Texas honey, 2 cups hot water, stir until mixed thoroughly.

This cocktail showcases flavors spanning from Mexico through Texas. Texas has many great agricultural resources. Two of my favorites are Rio Star grapefruits and Texas honey. Tequila and grapefruits have long been partners. In this drink, I take a standard old fashioned recipe and sweeten it with honey in lieu of sugar and then accent it with grapefruit bitters and anise. If you add a bit of Rio Star grapefruit oil, you’ll have a cocktail worth a border crossing.

Kosmas is a co-owner of the 86 Company, which produces Tequila Cabeza Blanco.