Summer Time...

First Post.

With summer coming up, its going to be that time for Margaritas, Mojitos(post coming soon about a Mojito Party being planned), and Bellinis.  Since we recently threw a Margarita party I thought I’d post the recipe for one of the drinks we decided to do(which was also submitted to the Grand Wine and Food Festival Tequila Cocktail Contest).  Here are a few general guidelines I try and stick to whenever I’m making margaritas:

1. Never use sweet and sour, its disgusting and ruins cocktails.
2. Use agave nectar if its avalible.
3. Don’t use a less-than-great tequila.  Make sure its 100% Blue Agave.
4. The fresher the ingredients, the better it’s going to taste.
5. Always taste test.

Cucumber-Jalapeno Margarita:

•  1.5 oz Reposado Tequila (We used 3 Caballos)
•  .5 oz Triple Sec or Paulas Texas Orange
•  .25 oz Agave Nectar
•  1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
•  3-4 Slices of Fresh Cucumber
•  2-3 Slices of Fresh Jalapeno

In a mixing glass add the Cucumber and Jalapeno slices and Agave Nectar.  Muddle, muddle, muddle. Next add ice and then the rest of the ingredients and shake thoroughly.  Make sure and strain out the drink into your glass so you don’t choke on pieces of veggies. Garnish as you see fit, we just used a cucumber slice and a lime wedge.

This next step was done primarily for presentation.  All I did was take a well sized green bell pepper, cut the top off and scoop out the insides.  I let it soak in soda water for a minute or so just to make sure nothing would leak out.  Rimmed it with salt, added ice, and used that for my glass.  Worked just fine.

Enjoy
- S.M.