Five Ways With… Margaritas

Having a few friends over for a fiesta? Why not include a seasonal margarita on the menu? Our meals change to reflect each season, so why not give your margarita the same twist? Add the flavors of summer with watermelon and cucumber, spice up your fall spirits with tamarind and apple, or greet your Thanksgiving guests with a colorful pumpkin or cranberry margarita. Highlighting nature’s gift in a glass is easy, fun and affordable, and using fresh juice adds a perfect balance of freshness and helps to complement your tequila of choice. (I enjoy using tequila blanco for summer margaritas and tequila reposado for fall flavors, but try a few different combinations to help you decide what tequila is right for you.)     

All you need is a juicer or a blender and you’re ready to get started. Experiment with flavors to create your own mix. The fun doesn’t end there: rim your glass with seasonal touches too. Blend salt with freeze-dried fruits, nuts, or spices to create a colorful adornment for your cocktail. Your guests will think you’re a margarita guru and you will have the satisfaction of knowing no additives, preservatives or dyes were added.                      

Prickly Pear Margarita

• salt
• lime wedges
• 1 cup tequila
• 1 cup fresh prickly pear juice
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup Cointreau
• ice cubes

Get the full recipe.

Apple Margarita

• 1 tablespoon salt
• 4 ounces freeze dried apples, crushed – optional
• lime wedges
• 1 cup tequila
• 1 cup fresh apple juice, strain for any small bits of skin or seeds
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup Cointreau
• ice cubes
• apple slices for garnish

Get the full recipe.

Tamarind Margarita

• salt
• 1/2 teaspoon tamarind candy (optional)
• lime wedges
• 1 cup tequila
• 1 cup agua de tamarindo
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup Cointreau
• ice cubes

Get the full recipe.

Cranberry Margarita

• 3 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/2 grated piloncillo or sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• lime wedges
• salt
• 1 cup tequila
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup Cointreau
• ice cubes
• cranberries, for garnish

Get the full recipe.

Pumpkin Margarita

• 1 small whole pumpkin (4-6 pounds)
• lime wedges

• 1 cup tequila
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon stick
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup Cointreau
• ice cubes
• pepita salt
• 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon pepitas

Get the full recipe.