Yes, the cocktail that mixes tequila and orange liqueur with lime, has actually become a National Holiday. So whether you truly stop when you taste a great Margarita, or you just need a reason to celebrate, try whipping up one of these cocktails that put a spin on the classic, but promise to taste just as good…or better.
I was at Jorge’s a few weeks ago and bar manager Ignacio Cubillos created a fiery Margarita for me. Casa Noble tequila, Cointreau, fresh basil, lime, a bit of simple syrup and about 3 large jalapenos (seeds and veins removed). The whole shebang was muddled together then served over ice. The real delight in this was that there was definitely some heat, but it wasn’t over whelming, nor was it too sweet…my biggest issue with some margaritas is that they are so tart and then so sweet. This one had great flavor from the first sip to the last.
Fresa Breeze Margarita: by Tomas Delos Reyes
2oz Partida Blanco Tequila
1/2oz agave nectar
3/4 fresh lime juice
2 strawberries
2 tsp diced cucumber
Mint sprig (optional)
Muddle strawberries and agave nectar in a shaker. Add ingredients and shake over ice. Strain over ice and top with diced cucumber. Garnish with mint sprig (optional).
Piña Perfection: by Brian Van Flandern, Tequila Don Julio Global Brand Ambassador
1 1/4 ounces Tequila Don Julio Añejo
1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
1 ounce fresh pineapple juice
Fresh rosemary
1/4 ounce simple syrup
Sprig of fresh rosemary for garnish
Muddle fresh rosemary into a cocktail shaker. Add Don Julio Añejo, fresh lime juice, fresh pineapple juice, and simple syrup into the cocktail shaker. Shake well and strain into a highball glass. Garnish with sprig of fresh rosemary.
Watermelon and Apple Margarita: by Mark Drew
2 oz Herradura Silver tequila
1/2 oz Lime juice
1/2 oz Agave nectar
1 oz Watermelon juice
1 oz Pressed apple juice
1 apple fan
Place all liquid ingredients in a Boston glass or a shaker. Shake hard and strain in to an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with an apple fan and enjoy!
Flying Agave White Peach Margarita: courtesy of Tequila Avion
2 oz. Tequila Avion
3/4 oz. Cointreau
1.5 oz White Peach Puree
Splash of fresh Lime Juice
Muddle One large Strawberry; Add Ice; Build all ingredients shake and strain. Served in a Martini or Rocks Glass; Garnish with Green Mint Leaf