Michael Voltaggio Shares Three Cocktails Showcasing Marcado 28 Tequila

From fiery and bright to smoky and smooth, these three cocktails highlight Marcado 28 tequila, the spirit co-created by chef Michael Voltaggio. Each recipe transforms classic flavors into something unexpected and memorable.

Jennifer Richmond

8 Minute read

09 Sep 2025

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Bleeding Heart Cocktail

From a fiery chili-laced sipper to a smoky twist on a classic, Michael Voltaggio’s Marcado 28 cocktails prove tequila can carry every mood.

Fiery and bright, smoky and smooth, these three cocktails highlight Marcado 28 tequila, the spirit co-created by chef Michael Voltaggio. Each recipe transforms classic flavors into something unexpected and memorable.

Bleeding Heart

A fiery yet refreshing cocktail that blends Marcado 28 Blanco tequila with blood orange, lime, cilantro, and chili heat, balanced by agave for a drink that’s equal parts bold and bright.

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Marcado 28 Blanco tequila
2 oz fresh blood orange juice or blood orange purée
1 oz fresh lime juice
22 ml light agave nectar (¾ oz)
10 cilantro leaves
1 slice Fresno chili, plus 1 slice for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Muddle chili and cilantro in a mixing glass, then add remaining ingredients.
Shake vigorously over ice and double strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a Fresno chili slice and a dehydrated blood orange slice.

Bitter Passion Spritz

Marcado 28 Blanco tequila brings structure to this tropical spritz, where passion fruit and Campari create a bittersweet balance, finished with sparkling wine and a fragrant rosemary garnish.

INGREDIENTS

15 ml lemon juice (½ oz)
22 ml Campari (¾ oz)
30 ml Marcado 28 Blanco tequila (1 oz)
52 ml passion fruit purée (1 ¾ oz)
Prosecco or sparkling wine, to top
Rosemary sprig, for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass.
Pour into a cocktail glass filled with ice.
Top with Prosecco or sparkling wine.
Garnish with a rosemary sprig (torch rosemary for added smoke if desired).

Black Gold Rush

This smoky twist on the Gold Rush layers Marcado 28 Reposado with honey, lemon, and charcoal lemonade ice cubes for a cocktail that’s equal parts earthy, smooth, and dramatic.

INGREDIENTS

60 ml Marcado 28 Reposado (2 oz)
22 ml lemon juice (¾ oz)
22 ml honey syrup (¾ oz)
Charcoal lemonade ice cube
Lemon twist, for garnish

HONEY SYRUP

120 ml honey (½ cup)
120 ml hot water (½ cup)
Mix until combined, then store in the refrigerator.

CHARCOAL LEMONADE ICE

950 ml water (4 cups)
120 ml lemon juice (½ cup)
60 ml agave syrup (4 tbsp)
2 tsp activated charcoal powder
Blend all ingredients and freeze in ice cube trays.

INSTRUCTIONS

Add tequila, lemon juice, and honey syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
Shake for 15–20 seconds until well chilled.
Strain into a cocktail glass filled with charcoal lemonade ice cubes.
Garnish with a lemon twist.

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About the author

Jennifer is a freelance writer who’s been creating sweet and savory dishes since her mother first taught her how to turn on a Kitchenaid mixer. That love for cooking turned...

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