Shortly after my first Thirsty Thursday, Megan Esteves of Colangelo & Partners Public Relations contacted me about two products she thought I would be interested in trying. (By “products” I mean booze, and there’s just really no way I’m going to say no to that, right?)

Federal Express delivered the tequila, agave nectar, gin and a packet of information that included recipes on Tuesday. I was anxious to try the tequila but I’m not a big fan of drinking hard liquor straight. However, I figured if I was going to be honest about my review I really ought to take a sip, right?

I tried the Partida Reposado first. It is lighter in color than the Anejo and darker than the Blanco (which is clear, duh). I am by no means a connoisseur of tequila, but I have to say it was smooth. This is the kind of tequila you can sip, not throw back in a shot glass on a dare.

Between the Blanco and the Reposado, I’d say I preferred the Reposado. It’s a personal preference, I know. It just seemed a little sweeter and easier on my palate.

At this point, I really wanted to make that margarita. Luckily, I remembered my little key lime tree in the backyard that I got as a gift for my birthday last year. Here’s the recipe they sent, but I used key limes as a substitute. I have to say, they were the best margaritas I’ve ever had.

Partida Agave Nectar Margarita

1 1/2 oz Partida Blanco Tequila

1 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice

3/4 oz Agave Nectar

3/4 Water

Shake all ingredients with ice in a shaker. Strain over fresh ice into a margarita glass. Never with salt!

G-Vine promises that “If you don’t like traditional gin, you will love G’Vine”

Well, I don’t like traditional gin, in fact I really don’t like it. However, this gin was different. It’s the first Gin made from grape spirit and the vine flower. It was not as harsh as any other gin I’ve tried.

Still, it’s not something I would drink on it’s own, so I decided to try a recipe called the G-Spot (of course I did!). I’m more of a beer and wine gal, but I really enjoyed this drink. The raspberry and lime balanced very well with the gin.

G’Spot

1 1/2 oz G’Vine

1 oz Sour Mix

1/2 oz Chambord

Shake and server in a martini glass. Garnish with lime wedge.

Overall, I was impressed with both products and I’ll look for the Partida locally the next time I make Margaritas.

For more information and recipes and the history behind these fine spirits, you can visit the G-Vine and Partida Tequila websites.

By the way, if anyone else would like to send me free alcohol, or food, or diamonds to “sample”, I’m down with that