Classic Top Shelf Margarita:
I like this margarita because it doesn't use sour mix. Sour mix is essentially sweetened lemon-lime juice so replacing it with simple syrup and citrus juices makes for a much cleaner tasting margarita.
2 oz 100% agave silver Tequila (Patron Silver, Don Julio, Herradura, etc)
1/2 ounce Grand Marnier or Cointreau
1/2 ounce simple syrup
Splash fresh squeezed lime juice
Splash fresh squeezed lemon juice
Splash OJ
Shake well with ice and serve in a glass with a kosher salted rim.
FOR THE ALCOHOL AFICIONADO
Chupacabra:
Even though this is a pretty potent drink, it's amazing flavor hides the taste of the alcohol.
Fill pint glass with ice and add:
2 oz Tequila
1 oz. Peach or Pear flavored vodka (my preference is Stoli)
Splash lime cordial (like Roses' Lime)
Splash sour mix
Fill one inch from top with Peach Puree Juice or Pear Puree Juice (match to flavor of vodka)
Shake well
Add Champagne floater on top, filling up the rest of the pint glass. (can substitute club soda according to preference)
FOR THE HEALTH BUFF
Light Margarita:
This is a good diet drink because it's easy and low calorie plus it tastes way better than "The Skinny Girl Margarita".
2 ounces 100 percent agave silver tequila
Splash fresh lime juice
Drizzle of agave nectar
Fill the rest of the glass with half club soda and half fresh grapefruit juice
Stir and serve
FOR THE SPICY PEPPER LOVER
Infused tequila:
This can be done with anything from candy to fruit to herbs. I feel that it is best with hot peppers or an herb like cilantro.
Take 4-6 large jalapeño peppers, sliced into strips (without seeds)
And/Or a small bunch of cilantro.
Pour out some tequila from a 100% agave silver tequila bottle to make space and put in the jalapeños and/or cilantro and cap the bottle.
Soak from 6 hours to overnight until desired level of spice is reached.
Strain the tequila into a pitcher, leaving behind the jalapeños.
This can be chilled and served as a spicy tequila shot or used in place of regular tequila in any classic margarita recipe for a jalapeño margarita. Garnish the margarita with a jalapeño slice and a sprig of cilantro.
FOR THE MARGARITA CONNOISSEUR
Earthy Margarita:
This recipe is a bit complex, but is the perfect selection if you want something that tastes smokey and savory.
1 cucumber slice, muddled
2 oz. Reposado or Anejo Tequila.
3⁄4 oz. red pepper purée (made in blender or purchased)
1 oz. fresh lime juice
3⁄4 oz. agave nectar
Dash of orange bitters (or regular bitters)
Shake and serve in a glass with hickory salt or seasoned salt on the rim.
Enjoy! ;)
"No one looks back on their life and remembers the nights they got plenty of sleep."
- Unknown
