The Cantarito is a tequila cocktail served in a jarrito de barro (clay cup/jug), made with tequila, citrus juices and topped with grapefruit soda. I set up a Cantarito DIY bar in honor of Dia de Muertos for my dinner guests to shake up their own cantarito, and it was a hit!
If you love a good Paloma, you will love a Cantarito. Similar in the base of grapefruit like a paloma, but with much more citrus flavors with the incorporation of orange and lime juice the Cantarito is refreshing and can easily be set up as a fun DIY Cantarito Bar for guests to make their own cocktail.
I love hosting and always want my guests to enjoy a great cocktail. Pero, I also don’t want to be stuck behind the bar all evening shaking up individual drinks, so for the last few years I have been having so much fun setting up DIY Bars for my guest to enjoy.
I have set up a paloma bar – bloody mary bar – red wine cantaritos
And today I want to share how fun a Cantarito Bar would be for your next dinner. This bar is decorated to honor Dia de Muertos, with fresh marigolds and a beautiful backdrop, but you can easily adapt this set-up for any occasion.
Ingredients for a Cantarito Bar
Clay cups: I prepare my clay cups in advance. Find tips below on how to prepare cups.
I placed my cups in a cute basket so guest could select the color of their choice. I have been collecting clay cups for a few years; you can find clay cups in barro or also glazed in different patterns and colors. I use them for cocktails or when serving agua fresca and even use them to display paper flowers for a table setting.
En esta casa, we use todo lo bonito, no saving for a special occasion. Every day is a special occasion.
Tequila: Cantaritos are commonly made with tequila Blanco, but I like to place out tequila Blanco and tequila reposado.
Citrus Juices: lime, grapefruit and orange juice: freshly squeezed are the best for this cocktail, you can juice the morning before you set up or pick up fresh juice from your local grocery store.
Salt: a little salt enhances the flavor of the juices and balances out the cocktail.
Squirt: The traditional soda used to make Cantaritos in Jalisco, Mexico. If you cannot find Squirt in your area, use any grapefruit soda available.
Garnishes: I placed out sliced grapefruit and limes.
A Cantarito is served in clay cups, before you use them you will need to cure them.
Here are a few tips on curing your clay cups.
Rinse: Begin by rinsing the clay cup well with warm water, avoiding soap. The soap with infuse the clay cup.
Soak: Place clay cups in a stockpot or bowl and submerge the cups in cold water. Soak for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
After each use: After each use, rinse the clay cup with water.
Cantarito Cocktail
Tajín seasoning (for rim)
2 ounces tequila
1 ounce fresh grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
1 ounce fresh orange juice, freshly squeezed
1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 pinch salt
Grapefruit soda
Garnish: grapefruit slices, orange or lime wedges
Directions
Run a lime wedge around cantarito cup, dip into Tajín. Fill cup with ice.
Add the tequila, fruit juices, and salt into a cup with ice, stir to combine.
Top with grapefruit soda.
Garnish.
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