With the launch of 2025’s LALO Tequila High Proof , we turned to some of the country’s most innovative bartenders to see how they would bring this bold expression to life. From New York to New Orleans, each cocktail reflects not only the versatility of High Proof but also the creativity and stories of the bartenders who crafted them.

Javelle Taft — Death & Co., New York

”A spirit of this caliber deserves a classic framework. I found inspiration in the Paloma, reimagining it by substituting a tart cherry cordial for grapefruit. Through this lens, the High Proof Lalo shines beautifully—its character amplified by stone fruit, almond, and the bright effervescence of soda water.” -Javelle Taft

Origin Story 

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz LALO High Proof Tequila 2025 Edition
  
• 1.5 oz Tart Cherry Cordial
  
• 0.5 oz Lime Juice
  
• 0.5 oz Simple Syrup
  
• 1 dash Cocoa Bitters
• Top with Seltzer
  
  

Cocktail Preparation

Rim a Collins glass with Hoja Santa salt and fill with ice.

In a shaker filled with ice, combine 2025 High Proof Tequila, Tart Cherry Cordial, lime juice, simple syrup, and cocoa bitters.

Shake until well chilled.

Strain into the prepared glass and top with seltzer.

Tart Cherry Cordial

Add all ingredients, except the amaretto liqueur, into a blender.

Blend until the sugar and acids are fully dissolved.

Strain through a fine mesh strainer.

Stir in the amaretto liqueur to fortify.

Label and date before storing.

Jeremy Owen Barrett — Lemon, Chicago

“This tequila was extremely easy to work with in cocktails as it blends so well in either a stirred or shaken cocktail while still remaining the star of the show!” -Jeremy Owen Barrett

Café Imperial

Ingredients:

• 3 drops Saline
• .25 oz (2:1) Rich Demerara Syrup
• .25 oz Parajote Ponche Chocolate
• .25 oz Amaro Montenegro
• .5 oz Borghetti Coffee Liqueur
• 1.5 oz LALO 2025 High Proof Tequila

Cocktail Preparation

Add rich demerara syrup, saline, Parajote Ponche Chocolate, Amaro Montenegro, Borghetti Coffee Liqueur, and LALO High Proof Tequila to a mixing glass.

Fill with ice and stir until well chilled.

Strain into a Nick & Nora glass.

Garnish with a lemon peel and a sprig of chocolate mint.

Rich Demerara Syrup

Combine 2 parts demerara sugar with 1 part water.

Stir over low heat until fully dissolved.

Cool before use.

Saline Solution

Combine 4 parts water with 1 part salt.

Stir until the salt is completely dissolved.

Cocktail 2: Pineapple Fields

A vibrant mix of pineapple, kiwi, lime, and cassis layered with High Proof for a tropical-meets-elegant profile.

Ingredients: 

• .25 oz Agave Nectar
• .5 oz Lime Juice
• .5 oz Kiwi Syrup (Real Kiwi Syrup)
• .75 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1.5 oz LALO 2025 High Proof Tequila
• .25 oz Crème de cassis

Cocktail Preparation

Add agave nectar, lime juice, kiwi syrup, pineapple juice, and LALO 2025 High Proof Tequila to a shaker filled with ice.

Shake until well chilled.

Gently strain into the coupe glass

Gently pour crème de cassis into the glass so it settles at the bottom, creating a layered effect.

Naima Savage — The Junglebird 504, New Orleans

“The Greenlight is all about letting LALO's 2025 High Proof expression shine. Meant to reflect the exact moment that the sun meets the Earth as the sun sets, this cocktail offers you an opportunity to let your palate wander, explore, and make connections to the true essence of LALO. The High Proof carries the herbal notes of the lemongrass infusion beautifully while standing up the the vermouth blend. The higher proof gives this martini variation the backbone it needs to balance the bright grapefruit bitters with the earthy and citrusy lemongrass.” -Naima Savage

The Greenlight

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Lemongrass-Infused LALO 2025 High Proof Tequila
• 0.75 oz Blanc Vermouth
  
• 0.75 oz Dry Vermouth
  
• 4 dashes Grapefruit Bitters
  
  

Cocktail Preparation

Add lemongrass-infused LALO High Proof Tequila, blanc vermouth, dry vermouth, and grapefruit bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.

Stir until well chilled

Strain into a Nick & Nora glass.

Express a grapefruit peel over the drink

Garnish with a grapefruit peel and Lemon Verbena

Lemongrass-Infused LALO High Proof Tequila

Lightly bruise and chop fresh lemongrass, then place into a mason jar.

Add LALO 2025 High Proof Tequila and seal.

Infuse for 2–3 days, shaking the jar once daily.

Strain through a fine mesh strainer before use.

Quick Method: 

If short on time, shake the jar vigorously several times over 30–45 minutes.