Why Clase Azul Deserves a Spot on Your Bar Cart This Season
If there’s one bottle that consistently surprises my guests — even the picky ones — it’s Clase Azul. With its hand-painted ceramic decanter and ultra-smooth tequila, it’s already a conversation starter. But what seals the deal? The way it elevates a cocktail without overpowering it. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner party or just want to upgrade your weeknight sip, Clase Azul is your go-to base this season.
I first discovered Clase Azul Reposado at a beach wedding in Tulum, where the bartenders served it neat with orange slices and cinnamon. That simple pairing blew me away. Ever since, I’ve been experimenting with how to work its rich, vanilla-forward profile into cocktails — and today, I’m giving you my seasonal favorites that will make you rethink what a tequila cocktail can be.
What Makes Clase Azul Unique?
Before we shake things up, let’s talk about why Clase Azul stands out. It’s a premium tequila crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave, slow-cooked in traditional stone ovens for 72 hours. That’s a long time — but the payoff is in the flavor. Clase Azul Reposado, for example, rests for eight months in oak barrels, which gives it that creamy, caramel-vanilla smoothness that’s honestly closer to a dessert wine than your usual tequila.
Translation? It plays extremely well with bold seasonal flavors like pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, and blood orange. Curious yet?
The Clase Azul Cocktails You Need to Try This Season
The Maple Oaxaca Old Fashioned
This is my go-to for fall and early winter. It’s smoky, sweet, and warmed by the oak-aged complexity of Clase Azul Reposado. Think bonfires. Wool blankets. That first sip in front of the fireplace.
- 2 oz Clase Azul Reposado
- 0.25 oz maple syrup (use grade A amber for depth)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 dash orange bitters
Stir everything with ice until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass over a big cube. Garnish with an orange twist and, if you’re feeling extra, a cinnamon stick.
Pro tip: Don’t overdo the maple. You want that touch of sweetness, not pancake syrup vibes.
Blood Orange Bliss Margarita
If you’re looking for a showstopper cocktail that’s citrusy but not basic, this one’s a knockout. It looks gorgeous and tastes even better. I served this at a brunch last October, and nobody could stop talking about it — or asking for the recipe.
- 2 oz Clase Azul Plata
- 1 oz fresh blood orange juice
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz Cointreau
- 0.25 oz agave syrup
Shake everything with ice and strain into a coupe or rocks glass, depending on your mood — salt rim optional. Garnish with a thin blood orange wheel for that Instagram-ready finish.
Pro tip: Fresh blood orange juice is key here. Bottled will flatten the flavor and you’ll lose that gorgeous coral-pink hue.
Pumpkin Spice Tequila Sour
Okay, hear me out: pumpkin and tequila. I didn’t think it would work either, but this cocktail changed my mind. It channels all your favorite fall spices without being cloying. I tested a dozen versions before landing on this one, and wow — it’s dessert in a glass, without the sugar crash.
- 2 oz Clase Azul Reposado
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.75 oz homemade pumpkin spice syrup*
- 1 egg white
Dry shake (no ice) to emulsify, then shake again with ice. Strain into a coupe glass and admire that silky froth.
*Pumpkin spice syrup: Simmer 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons canned pumpkin, 1 cinnamon stick, a few cloves, and a smidge of nutmeg. Strain and cool. Keeps for 10 days in the fridge.
Hot Apple Reposado Toddy
This is my cold-weather crowd-pleaser. Picture a classic hot toddy, but made luxurious with Clase Azul’s velvety texture. I’ve served this at a snowy backyard party with fairy lights and everyone begged for seconds (or thirds).
- 1.5 oz Clase Azul Reposado
- 4 oz warm apple cider
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- 0.25 oz honey syrup (1:1 ratio)
- 2 dashes Angostura
Warm the cider gently; don’t boil. Combine all ingredients in a mug and stir. Garnish with a clove-studded lemon wheel and/or a cinnamon stick stirrer if you’re feeling extra festive.
Pro tip: This one doubles as an excellent welcome drink at your holiday gathering — it’s cozy, aromatic, and low-maintenance once batched.
Smoked Pear & Plata Spritz
Not every seasonal drink needs to knock you on your heels. For those “want to sip but not snooze” moments, try this elegant, lower-ABV spritz. It’s bright, slightly floral, and the smoked pear gives just enough intrigue.
- 1.5 oz Clase Azul Plata
- 1 oz pear purée (ripe Bartletts work great)
- 0.5 oz lemon juice
- Top with dry sparkling wine
- Optional: a dash of smoked saline*
Shake the tequila, purée, and lemon with ice. Strain into a chilled flute or coupe and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with a pear fan or dehydrated slice.
*Smoked saline: A pinch of smoked salt dissolved in a few ounces of water adds a savory kick that contrasts beautifully with pear’s sweetness.
Entertaining With Clase Azul? Here’s How
Here’s the truth: Clase Azul isn’t for your rushed happy hours. It deserves a stage. If you’re planning a dinner party or even a smaller night in with close friends, build drinks that let the tequila speak. Keep mixers simple, elevate with fresh ingredients and visually striking garnishes (blood orange, dehydrated pears, cinnamon smoke — go for it).
I love setting up a mini tequila tasting while prepping cocktails, especially when introducing Clase Azul to new guests. Offer the Plata and Reposado side by side with bite-sized pairings (dark chocolate, orange zest, aged manchego). Then move into a signature drink. Guests get the full sensory arc — and honestly, who doesn’t like learning a little while sipping?
A Few Final Words From Behind the Shaker
Clase Azul isn’t just “good tequila.” It’s layered, refined, and incredibly mixable when you show it some respect. This season, lean into its buttery oak notes for cozy fall and winter vibes — and don’t be afraid to play with texture and temperature. Whether you’re hosting ten or treating yourself on a quiet Thursday, these cocktails will bring a little luxury to your glass and a lot of joy to your taste buds.
Have a favorite Clase Azul cocktail of your own? Tag me on Instagram (@lizmartelmixology) — I’m always looking to shake up something new.