In 2013, George Clooney’s accidental spirit, Casamigos Tequila, received endless attention from social media. Since the spirit was getting the highest hype in the alcohol market, it became one of the most expensive drinks in local stores in America. Although, it is not very orthodox for today’s Hollywood stars to transmit their cocktail creativity into a money-laundering machine, metaphorically speaking! But, George Clooney’s Casamigos Blanco was worth a big-screen release.
You will be surprised to know that co-founder G.Clooney, Rande Geber, and Mike Meldman sold the Casamigos label along with all copyrights to Diageo after four years of building the “best-seller” stature in the industry. Therefore, it is rather astonishing that in 2017, Casamigos’s acquisition cost was only $250 million per co-founder. Henceforth, causing Diageo to pay over $500/bottle of Casamigos to resell in the market.
So, was the deal worth it? The answer is yes. Selling Casamigos was one of the best decisions that George Clooney made in the eyes of influencers. But, according to comments on social media, Tequila Casamigos is considered overrated. Why so? Here are eight facts about Casamigos alcoholic beverages that you didn’t know before. Some points make it crystal-clear to figure out whether it’s worth it or not? Let’s read ahead:
1. The idea of Casamigos hit co-founders in a bar, coincident?
While sitting in a bar, have you ever thought of mixing two drinks and expect to craft a treasured drink? Well! It may happen rarely. However, for George Clooney and Rande Gerber, it was the reason to hit the bar.
As per Clooney’s interview, the duo was trying to craft a smooth and does not burn drink. Not only this, but to achieve their goal, they were ready to drink endlessly and find the perfect flavour profile with no potential of hangovers later.
Were they successful? Well! Not instantly. Indeed, it took two years for George and Rande to come across a drink that fits all their perquisites. Thus, enter… Casamigos.
2. Casamigos – A Billion-Dollar Idea
After two years of endless sampling, George and Rande found the drink to satisfy their craving for alcohol with burning sensations and hangovers. According to Clooney, during the research, over 700 samples were crafted and tested.
Later on, when they find the drink, they often serve it at their private parties. And before they knew it, they started receiving orders for Casamigos Blanco and other flavours, so much so, 1000/year.
The partners decided to launch the brand when they were told to acquire a license to keep selling. Otherwise, it’d be considered illegal.
Later on, in 2017, Diageo purchased the brand for 1 billion dollars. Henceforth, leaving 250 million USD/partner, including Mike. Indeed, the purchasing party also gave an additional $300 million as insurance on Casamigos sales performance.
It sounds like a fantastic business deal that rarely happens. However, it turned out best for Casamigos lovers who just can’t get enough of it.
3. Casamigos Alcohol Content
Accidently produced in Mexico, Casamigos is definitely a drink that anyone would enjoy on an occasional night in a bar. But is it worth it? Among public drinkers, Casamigos is a big name.
However, critics often mention it as a “common” or “overrated” drink due to its unchanged alcohol content percentage (40%) and taste.
Furthermore, a countable percentage of consumers think that Casamigos is so bad because of its hot and sweet flavour. In their words, Casamigos reposado tastes like an artificial alcoholic beverage. Therefore, something about the drink is off. Hence, people give it less attention in 2020 as all the “curiosity” is gone.
4. It has dropped its competitors dead
Hollywood stars love to hype up Casamigos Anejo, Mezcal, and Blanco flavour to end. Even on social media, you can see celebrities putting on stories about their Casamigos gifted bottles. But, since the public’s opinion about Casamigos is not great, its reputation falls into two parts.
However, when it comes to competition, no spirit is competitive enough to stand against Casamigos. As evident by the awards that Casamigos have triumphed at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition, the Spirits of Mexico Tasting Competition, and the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition.
5. Kendall Jenner tried to sell a copy of Casamigos recently
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it isn’t easy to figure out what celebrities are up to. But, thanks to Instagram, when in February 2021, Kendall Jenner uploaded a picture of her customized 818 tequila brand that she is planning to launch in the market, fans lost it! Indeed, a few fans also mentioned that Kendall is trying to compete with George Clooney, who launched Casamigos a while back. And hence, she is trying to fill her pocket with a billion dollars.
A few magazine brands reported that people criticizing Kendall Jenner was only bad timing as they are stressed about the disease on the run. However, some people also called both Casamigos and Jenner’s 818, the symbol of cultural appropriation.
But, one cannot deny the fact that Miss. Jenner was indeed copying casamigos creation as the 818 had similar flavour lining and the use of the term “Mexican” to it.
6. George Clooney and Rande faced a 20M lawsuit in 2017
How would you feel if you drink a shot of elite tequila in a reputed bar? However, it ends up making you unconsciously fall on the floor. Cox, a well-known financial analyst, claimed that one of Casamigos tequila brand’s executive/bartender ambassadors served him a pure nitrogen in liquid form instead of the drink he asked for. It caused him to fall on the floor unconsciously.
According to his interview, the liquid nitrogen was so strong that it felt like he swallowed fire. Not only this, but after two years of the incident, he still continues to go through the painful experience.
In the defence of George Clooney and Rande Gerber, they introduced a liquid nitrogen-based Casamigos Blanco and casamigos reposado tequila drinks. They have also added it in the label. However, the duo didn’t care enough to inform the sensitive consumers who can suffer like Cox unknowingly.
7. Casamigos tequila ABV goes up to 80%
In the event that you pick less-strong Casamigos tequila flavours, its ABV will be 40% only. However, if the proof value of the drink is higher than 80 proof, the alcohol by volume content percentage goes up. Although, the fact that it contains more alcohol in general does not make up for the fact that it is usually hot, bland, and watery in taste and texture.
8. There are many ways to drink it!
Wondering if there are any creative ways to drink Casamigos tequila? Well! Presuming that you order one casamigos in a bar, you can either drink it neat as a shot or on the ice rocks. Is that it? The answer is NO. You can prepare some amazing cocktails with Casamigos. Following are some prominent recipes to excite your Casamigos Blanco drinking experience and cheer up your summer weekends:
To begin with, there are many famous Casamigos tequila cocktails out there. However, you must choose the right type of flavour to put in. The reason being, Casamigos Anejo and Casamigos blanco are very different in taste. And so do other flavours. Thus, choose wisely.
Danny Ocean Cocktail
Here’s a fun fact: Danny ocean cocktail idea indeed comes from one of George Clooney’s movies. Here’s how to make it:
List of Ingredients:
- Casamigos Reposado (1.5 ounces)
- Maraschino Liqueur (like Fratelli Vergnano or Luxardo Originale) – 0.25 ounces
- Lemon juice – 0.75 ounces
- Pink grapefruit juice (0.75 ounces)
- Agave Nectar or syrup (0.5 ounces)
Preparation:
Take a cocktail shaker. Pour all the ingredients in the shaker, all at once. Don’t forget to measure them beforehand. Shake well. Serve chilled on ice rocks.
Spicy Casamigos
This cocktail is a perfect fit for Mexico cocktail lovers who crave a touch of spiciness in cocktails. How to make it? Let’s check out:
List of Ingredients:
- Casamigos Blanco (2 ounces)
- Agave syrup or nectar (¾ ounces)
- Lime juice – fresh (½ ounces)
- Cilantro leaves – fresh (two)
- Orange bitters (A single dash)
- Egg Whites (Single)
- Mango Sugar
Preparation:
Take a martini glass and rim it with a measured layer of mango sugar. Keep the glass aside.
Now, take a cocktail shaker and all the ingredients into it.
Further, add ice cubes to it and shake well.
Once done, strain what’s left in the glass.
Garnish the drink with orange peel.
Surprisingly, this is one of the most fanciest drinks you can make at home. For “spicy” taste, you can add “chilli flakes” in the agave nectar and mix well. The drink takes only 15 minutes to prepare. Hence you can share a great night with your friends.
Bottom Line
Being a controversial Drink, Casamigos by George Clooney have enjoyed more publicity than any other celebrity-inspired drink, be it Kendall’s 818 or Ryan Whitney’s Pink Whitney Vodka. Turns out! Nothing tastes better than Casamigos Tequila if you don’t have Cox fever. So, have a drink of Casamigos tonight and share your first experience with us. Till then, stay tuned!
