Cilantro-Jalapeno Margarita

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Ahh, Cinco de Mayo. Let’s enjoy a margarita. All you need is some tequila (whoop whoop!) and orange, lemon, and lime juice. That’s it. Just mix your desired amount of tequila* with equal parts of the citrus juices.

For this recipe, you need 2 tablespoons of tequila with 1 tablespoon of each citrus juice. Then add a splash of cilantro-jalapeno simple syrup to enjoy this drink as the delight it is.

I got my first taste of jalapeno syrup over chicken-and-waffles last summer. My mind wanted to steer clear, but I was glad I tried it. It provided a flavorful heat just like this simple syrup will do if you go gentle with it (i.e. no seeds in the making of the syrup). I think you will find this rendition adds a nice twist to a classic drink.

With that, another year of Cinco de Mayo recipes is in the book, and I leave you with where we started: tequila. Enjoy!

* It’s Tuesday. I suggest you take it easy.

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Cilantro-Jalapeno Margarita

Author A Mouthful of Stars by Kim Sunée

Yield 1 drink

Ingredients

• For the Cilantro-Jalapeno Simple Syrup
• 2-3 jalapeno peppers
• 1/2 bunch cilantro
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• For the Margarita
• 2 tablespoons tequila
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 teaspoons cilantro-jalapeno simple syrup
• fresh ice
• margarita salt, optional
• lime and cilantro for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the jalapenos by slicing them lengthwise and removing their seeds.
2. Place the sliced peppers, cilantro, sugar, and water in a pot over medium-high heat.
3. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally as the sugar dissolves.
4. Once the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is clear (it will be cloudy at the start), remove it from the hate and allow it to cool.
5. Strain the syrup into a glass jar and discard the spent peppers and cilantro.
6. To make a margarita, combine the tequila, citrus juices, and simple syrup in a shaker filled halfway with ice.
7. Shake to combine, then strain into a glass. To rim the glass with salt, run a slice of lime around the rim of the glass and dip the rim into the salt (before filling it with a margarita, of course).
8. If desired, garnish with lime and cilantro.

Notes

Any unused syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.The drink pictured here is actual a double (4 tablespoons tequila, 2 tablespoons of each juice, etc.). You may find it easier to make this recipe in a batch as well.