The Deconstructed Margarita with Sea Salt Foam

    
     Charged with submitting an original tequila cocktail recipe to Cheers magazine and as my first idea for my entry into a cocktail competition for the upcoming San Antonio Cocktail Conference, I somehow created this drink.
     It consists of an ice sphere made of fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and water.  The mold was courtesy of Makers Mark.  The tequila chosen was Dulce Vida's 100% organic reposado.  And instead of a salted rim, I decided to make a sea salt foam to place on top of the drink.  So step by step, here it is:

Makers Mark Ice Sphere Mold

   
      Using the mold shown above, I filled it with water and then pured that into a measuring cup to determine as total liquid I would need.  The mold holds 1.75 cups.  So for my mold I mixed :

• 1 cup of fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup of agave nectar
•  1/4 cup water .  

 Make sure to strain the lime juice before pouring into the mold.   Once mixed and strained, pour into the mold and place in freezer overnight.   
      Now for the spirit based part of the drink,

•  2 oz Dulce Vida Reposado Tequila
• 1/2 oz Paulas Texas Orange 

Pour both into your shaker with no ice, stir briefly, and set aside. We're not adding ice because we don't want to dilute the tequila yet.  Our ice sphere will take care of that for us.
    
     For the Sea Salt Foam topping we're going to take:

• 3 egg whites
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp fine sea salt
• 1/2 tbsp water

 Combine all your ingredients into a chilled mixing bowl.  Using a hand emulsifier, whip all ingredients on the low setting until you have 1-2 inches of foam on top, as pictured below

Making Sea Salt Foam

. 
     Place your ice sphere into a rocks glass, pour the Dulce Vida Tequila and Paulas Texas Orange mixture into the glass.  Using a spoon, skim the foam on top of your rocks glass.  Garnish with a lime twist.
     Since we didn't chill the tequila it will quickly melt the ice sphere and begin to slowly combine your lime juice and agave nectar into your drink.  So it will start out strong and end with a sweeter mellow flavor profile.

Enjoy
-S.M.