Name: Santa Fe Cocktail
Yield: 1
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 45 ml (1.5 oz.) tequila; 30 ml (1 oz.) lime juice, freshly squeezed; 15 ml (0.5 oz.) green Chartreuse; 15 ml (0.5 oz.) simple syrup; A pinch of salt; Jalapeño slices to garnish

Santa Fe Cocktail Ingredients

45 ml (1.5 oz.) tequila
30 ml (1 oz.) lime juice, freshly squeezed
15 ml (0.5 oz.) green Chartreuse
15 ml (0.5 oz.) simple syrup
A pinch of salt
Jalapeño slices to garnish

Sip a Santa Fe Cocktail and be delighted. Your taste buds will bask in the tangy lime, warmth of tequila, cool mint taste, and the spicy yet sweet ginger kick. Your nose will love the intoxicating mix too!

Santa Fe Cocktail: Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Fill Your Shaker

Pour the tequila, lime juice, green Chartreuse, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker.

If you like a bit more spice in your drink, feel free to muddle a slice or two of jalapeño in the shaker before adding the liquids.

Step 2: Add Some Chill

Now, fill your shaker with ice.

The ice is going to chill your drink while also diluting the cocktail just enough to meld and mellow the flavors.

But remember, don’t overdo it with the ice, or you’ll risk watering down your drink too much.

Step 3: Shake It Up

Here’s the fun part: shaking.

Hold the shaker in both hands (one on top, one on the bottom) and give it a good shake.

You’re aiming for around 15–20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.

Step 5: Strain and Serve

Take a chilled glass and strain your cocktail into it.

Straining prevents the ice from getting into the glass, which could further dilute your drink.

Step 6: Add the Final Touch

For the final touch, add a pinch of salt.

The salt subtly enhances the flavor profile of the cocktail and adds an extra layer of complexity.

Finish it off with a jalapeño slice garnish for that spicy flair.

And there you have it! A beautifully crafted Santa Fe cocktail.

Cheers to your mixology skills!

Santa Fe Brand Recommendations: Premium vs Low Cost

High-End Options

Splurging a bit on your spirits can take your Santa Fe cocktail to the next level.

Tequila Don Julio Reposado

Aged for eight months in American white oak barrels, this tequila adds a smooth complexity to your Santa Fe.

Chartreuse V.E.P. (Viellissement Exceptionnellement Prolongé)

This version is extra-aged in oak casks, delivering an intensified herbal flavor that complements the spiciness of your Santa Fe cocktail.

Budget-Friendly Choices

On a budget? No worries! There are still fantastic, cost-effective options to create a delicious Santa Fe cocktail.

Tequila Espolón Reposado

This tequila is still aged in white oak barrels, but at a much more affordable price.

Chartreuse Strega Liqueur

A great alternative to green Chartreuse, Strega is an Italian herbal liqueur that can add a unique twist to your cocktail.

Santa Fe Pro Mixology Tips for the Perfect Drink

Shaking Matters

A good shake can make or break your cocktail. Shaking chills, dilutes, and mixes the ingredients effectively.

But remember, you don’t want to overdo it and water down your drink.

Shake until your shaker is frosty—around 15 to 20 seconds should do.

The Garnish Game

Don’t underestimate the power of garnish.

The jalapeño slice isn’t just for looks—it imparts a subtle heat and flavor to your cocktail.

To elevate the spiciness, muddle a slice or two in your shaker before adding your liquids.

Santa Fe Barware and Glassware Essentials

Whether you’re a beginner mixologist or an advanced cocktail enthusiast, having the right tools can take your drink mixing to the next level.

Here’s a breakdown of the essential barware you’ll need to create a Santa Fe cocktail:

Basic Barware for Beginners

If you’re just starting out, here are the must-have tools you’ll need:

Cocktail Shaker

This is where all the magic happens. A cocktail shaker is essential for mixing and chilling your drinks.

Jigger

This is a small measuring tool that helps you accurately measure the liquids in your cocktail.

Muddler

This tool crushes herbs, fruits, or, in our case, jalapeños, to release their flavors.

Strainer

A strainer ensures that only the liquid ends up in your glass—no ice or unwanted bits.

Advanced Barware for Cocktail Enthusiasts

If you’re looking to upgrade your cocktail game, consider adding these tools to your arsenal:

Bar Spoon

This tool isn’t just for stirring. Its long handle is perfect for layering ingredients or gently mixing cocktails without shaking.

Ice Crusher

While not necessary for a Santa Fe, an ice crusher can elevate other cocktails.

Cocktail Picks

Perfect for securing garnishes or adding a sophisticated touch to your cocktails.

The Perfect Glassware for a Santa Fe

The glass you serve your cocktail in isn’t just for aesthetics—it can actually influence the tasting experience.

For a Santa Fe, you want a glass that allows the drink to shine.

Old-fashioned glass

Also known as a rocks glass, this is ideal for the Santa Fe cocktail.

Its wide brim allows for the aroma to be appreciated before each sip, and it’s perfect for showcasing your garnish.

Look for one that can hold around 6 to 8 ounces, which will give you plenty of room for your cocktail and ice without overflowing.

Santa Fe Cocktail Pairings: Enhancing Your Experience

The joy of a good cocktail is significantly multiplied when paired with the right foods.

Here are some food pairings that go well with a Santa Fe cocktail, considering its distinctive, spicy, and herbal notes.

Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Fresh, zesty grilled shrimp tacos provide a burst of flavors that harmonize well with the spicy and herbal tones of a Santa Fe cocktail.

The succulent shrimp, along with the tangy salsa, cool the palate, creating a balanced taste experience.

Chicken Enchiladas

The rich and creamy flavor profile of chicken enchiladas goes well with the punchy and vibrant Santa Fe cocktail.

The spicy kick of the enchiladas’ sauce works in tandem with the cocktail’s heat, while the creamy chicken filling mellows it out, leading to a delightful contrast.

Grilled Corn with Cotija Cheese

This classic Mexican street food provides a great contrast to the Santa Fe cocktail.

The sweet, slightly charred corn, the creamy, salty Cotija cheese, and the zesty lime pair beautifully with the spiciness and herbaceousness of the cocktail, making for an exciting flavor combo.

Carne Asada

The smoky and robust flavors of Carne Asada (grilled steak) play off the spiciness of the Santa Fe cocktail excellently.

The hearty meat can hold up to the cocktail’s strong flavors, while the bright and fresh salsa often served with the steak enhances the overall refreshing character of the drink.

Chiles Rellenos

The cheese-stuffed, battered, and fried peppers of a Chiles Rellenos dish present a delicious fusion of flavors and textures.

The cheese’s richness and the pepper’s spice create a perfect duet with the Santa Fe’s unique taste.

Don’t forget the snacks! A simple bowl of tortilla chips with a zesty guacamole or a spicy salsa can also work great as a light pairing option, perfect for a casual evening of sips and bites.

The crunch and saltiness of the chips, combined with the fresh and spicy accompaniments, pair well with the Santa Fe cocktail’s bright and bold flavors.