The Rancho La Gloria Espresso Martini invites cocktail lovers to indulge in a unique blend that merges tequila’s essence with the convenience of a ready-to-drink (RTD) option.
Originating from Jalisco, Mexico, Rancho La Gloria boasts a storied heritage, claiming to be deeply entwined with the Margarita’s famous beginnings at its hotel bar in Tijuana.
While many variations of the Margarita’s origin story exist, the narrative from Rancho La Gloria remains one of the most cherished.
Unique Features of Rancho La Gloria
What sets this brand apart is not just its celebrated past, but also its impressive array of offerings.
This includes single estate tequilas and an extensive collection of añejo tequila, fondly dubbed a “barrel library.” In addition to these elegant spirits, Rancho La Gloria delights consumers with refreshing RTD Margaritas and an appealing assortment of dessert-inspired cocktails.
Among these, the Espresso Martini stands out, elegantly packaged in a sleek 750 ml glass bottle.
Flavor Profile and Experience
A captivating feature of this cocktail is its foundation: instead of the conventional tequila, it uses agave wine.
This delicious, fortified drink is crafted from fermented Blue Weber agave and boasts a lighter flavor and alcohol content compared to standard agave spirits.
Though a tequila base would have been delightful, the agave wine opens doors to a wider audience due to varied liquor licensing regulations in the U.S. The quality ingredients—including natural flavors, agave nectar, and true espresso—provide an exhilarating twist, even if it strays from the traditional path.
Upon examining the packaging, one can’t help but anticipate a high-quality experience within.
Pouring it neat into a glass released rich aromas of roasted coffee paired with hints of dark chocolate—exactly what one seeks in an Espresso Martini.
To enhance this delight, I served the drink over ice, stirring lightly.
The result? A rich tapestry of roasted coffee flavors with a pleasing hint of bitter chocolate.
However, I found it slightly sweeter and more viscous than my preference.
While those who favor a sweeter profile might be pleased, I missed the frothed texture typical of a classic Espresso Martini and noted that it felt a bit warmer than I expected, even when served on the rocks.
To elevate the experience further, I decided to shake the cocktail, echoing the traditional method of making an Espresso Martini.
The transformation was astonishing! Shaking introduced a newfound lightness to the drink while lowering the temperature and revealing delicate vanilla notes.
The sweetness became much more balanced, and the addition of froth truly enhanced the overall enjoyment.
In this form, the base spirit was able to shine more clearly, creating a drinking experience that felt much closer to a carefully crafted Espresso Martini.
Final Thoughts
While the convenience of this bottled cocktail is undeniable, shaking it truly awakens all the flavors and creates an appealing texture.
Although it may not capture every nuance of a hand-crafted Espresso Martini, it serves as a quick, dependable alternative that’s perfect for home mixing.
With its attractive price tag, it presents a wonderful option for cocktail enthusiasts looking to indulge without breaking the bank.
30 proof.
Rating: B / Price: $12 / Website: rancholagloria.com
Source: Drinkhacker