Simple is Better When it Comes to Margaritas

//  Tequila: Espolón (seriously great alternatives), Agave: Wholesome Sweeteners, Table: West Elm, Glasses: Thrifted (similar), and save your sanity by getting: this  //

Cinco De Mayo and drinking pretty much go hand and hand. In fact, I barely can say the words “Cinco de Mayo” in my head without “Cinco de Drinko” scrolling through right behind it — an everlasting “gift” from my college days I suppose. And what better way to kick off the cocktail post series than during this gloriously festive (and booze filled) holiday?!

The cocktail of choice??? THE MARGARITA, no question about it.

BUT.. while the hot pink “Strawberry Coconut Margaritas” and the over-indulgent frozen “Mango Margs” flood Pinterest grids causing much oooing and ahhing, thats not really my style. Lets be honest, those are wayyy more dessert than cocktail and we are all after the bigger buzz/less hungover combo aren’t we? For many reasons, I am a diehard fan of the traditional agave margarita (with jalapeño if your feeling frisky – which I tend to be).

To whom do I owe this ultra-light concoction? Julio Bermejo invented this recipe about 20 years ago at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant right here in San Francisco!! How cool is that?! 😀

Soooo you ask, how do you make such refreshing and perfectly spicy margaritas?!?

Ingredients:

2 oz 100% agave tequila (I used Espolón cause you get the most bang for your $, but see link👆 for more options)
1 oz fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
1/2 oz agave nectar
*optional: kosher salt, jalapeño, lime wedge (for garnish)

Process:

*If you want spicy margs –> first muddle 1-3 thin slices of jalepeño, with a splash of tequila, in the bottom of your shaker (or cup). Every jalepeño differs in spice level, it might take you the first batch to realize what level you’re at, so be aware! Seeds always make it extra spicy so generally speaking, less seeds = less spice. 😛

1. Mix agave nectar with 1/2 oz water (SUPER important, otherwise you’ll end up with this considering the amount of agave you’ll need to use to balance out the lime juice) and pour into a shaker.
2. Pour thinned nectar, tequila, and lime juice into the shaker. Add ice and shake until condensation occurs.
2.5 To salt the rim of your glass (optional, but do so before pouring the drink in) drag a cut lime around the rim and then gently dip the rim on a plate with a thin layer of salt cover.
3. Strain into a glass over ice and garnish with a lime wedge or jalepeño slice.

Remember…All-natural ingredients + less sugary mix = healthier drinking. Win! 👍👍

CHEERS,  HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO EVERYONE!!!