Siempre Tequila

The Rose that Grew from Adversity

By Kristi Hill

When you hear the word “tequila”, do you automatically think of drunken nights in college or syrupy-sweet happy hour margaritas from your neighborhood Mexican restaurant?

If so, you are among many of us who have felt the same. Oftentimes, cheap tequila manufactured in bulk amounts are found in cocktails everywhere. These lower quality spirits are enough to give anyone a headache and the desire to never drink again.

Luckily, there is a craft tequila company, just waiting to tickle your taste buds and make you into a tequila believer once more.

Humble Seeds

Siempre Tequila was created in 2015 by Alex Lacroix and Monica Sanita. Their love for each other is shown through the hard work and dedication it took to start the company together. Alex’s unlikely story is a testament to what determination and commitment can do in order to rise from the trenches of a less than ideal lifestyle of his past. Several years ago, Alex Lacroix was faced with a felony and potentially many years behind bars. He knew that this wasn’t the path he needed to take and began to take steps to turn his life around.

Alex had an infant daughter and wanted to spend time with her, not cellmates. The future entrepreneur enrolled in Seneca College in Toronto and majored in their creative advertising program. Eventually, Alex’s criminal case went to trial and he was given one year of house arrest. During this time, Alex met his life partner, Monica Santita. This meeting was the beginning of a journey that would change both of their lives.

Blooms of Purpose

Alex and Monica began their road to creating Siempre Tequila in 2014. Siempre translates into “Always” in English-a perfectly ftting way to describe their relationship and their brand.

Monica’s grandmother and great-grandmother made mezcal, agave-based liquor. Essentially, tequila is in her blood and the ideas started fowing. Originally, the couple wanted to fnd a tequila that they loved and import it for others to enjoy. After tasting numerous types and brands,

Alex's unlikely story is a testament to what determination and commitment can do in order to rise from the trenches of a less than ideal lifestyle of his past.

they were not able to fnd one with a quality that they were willing to back. After hitting this roadblock, the idea to make their own tequila was born.

The frst batch of Siempre was bottled in September 2015. To begin with, the initial 150 cases were sold in Ontario, Canada. This time marked the beginning of a long journey for Alex, Monica and their friend Matte, who joined them in the business. At this point, the couple quit their jobs and Siempre became their life.

According to Alex and Monica, “We like to think that Siempre is the rose that grew from adversity. The fowers, both dead and alive in the hand-drawn label, represent beauty born from struggle.”

“Siempre translates into “Always” in English-a perfectly ftting way to describe their relationship and their brand.” Fruitful Harvest

Through a lot of grit and hardcore determination, Siempre has thrived at the hands of the trio. Now, Siempre Tequila is sold in multiple states and countries. More states are lined up to begin selling the award-winning tequila soon.

Siempre Tequila is available in three different, distinct varieties.

Siempre Tequila Plata-This tequila is a 5X gold medalwinning tequila. It is made with 100% agave from two different regions. This tequila is great for sipping and is fantastically smooth.

Siempre Tequila Reposado-This tequila is perfectly aged for 6 months in American White Oak barrels. This smooth tequila has notes of honey, vanilla and oak.

Siempre Tequila Anejo-This tequila is patiently aged for 24 months in American Bourbon barrels. Many like to enjoy this treat in a snifter, alongside dark chocolate.

You can purchase Siempre Tequila online at shop.siempretequila.com

What Cocktails Can I Make With Siempre?

In order to taste the complex layers of Siempre, it is best enjoyed neat. If you are in the mood for a cocktail, try one of these, curated by Siempre Tequila.

Batanga

1. Rim glass with salt or Tajin mix. 2. Add 2 oz of Siempre Tequila Plata to a shaker 3. Add ½ oz fresh lime juice 4. Add ice 5. Shake well! 6. Strain into a glass 7. Fill glass with Coca-Cola (extra points for Mexican Coca-Cola!) 8. Add lime for garnish

El Melocotonero de Jalisco

1. Add 1.5 oz of Siempre Tequila Reposado to a shaker 2. Add ½ oz Aperol 3. Add 1 oz of a peach-ginger-habanero shrub 4. Add 1 oz lemon juice 5. Add 1 oz peach nectar 6. Add ice 7. Shake well! 8. Strain into your glass 9. Add peach for garnish

Jalisco Old Fashioned

1. Add 2 oz Siempre Tequila Anejo to a mixing glass 2. Add ¼ oz agave nectar 3. Add 3-4 dashes of orange bitters 4. Add ice 5. Stir well! 6. Pour into a rocks glass with an ice cube