Does anything say Summer more than a margarita? I mean, other than being one of the all time classics (and perfect for lazy Summer days with friends) I can think of few cocktails that perfectly manage to tread the fine line of salty, sharp and sweet the same way a margarita does. Perfect with mexican food or on it’s own this easy to make icon has become a bit of a stalwart in my kitchen cupboard. While I think sometimes it’s hard to beat a classic (I mean, why mess with perfection right?) thebar.com invited me to share my twist on the ultimate Summer cocktail and well, it was a no brainer. There was no way it could be anything other than a margarita. So it was time to combine my favourite summer time tipple with my favourite summer flavours. Strawberry and rhubarb margaritas anyone?
How to Make a Margarita (adapted from a recipe on thebar.com)
50ml Don Julio Blanco Tequila
25ml Orange Liqueur of your choice
25ml Lime Juice
75ml Strawberry & Rhubarb Syrup (legit just sugar, rhubarb and husked strawberries simmered and strained)
Pre-make your sugar syrup. I’ve never been one for keeping track of measurements for jams or compotes so you’re going to have to eye it here. You want it to be bright pink, with a slight thickness akin to a pie filling. For funsies I like to add an extra squeeze of lime. Allow this to cool completely before making your drinks. No one likes a warm margarita.
Load your shaker (or jug if you’re making a pitcher to share among friends) with ice. Use a jigger to measure out your ingredients. If you’re using a shaker, give this a good shake, or a pitcher, mix it up good and proper with a long spoon. You can either strain in to a short class or serve as is if you’re bulking it up for a party (I find this works particularly well for bbqs.)
Garnish: Sugar or Salt Rim. Lime Wheel
And voila! That’s it! Easy right?
My grandparents grew rhubarb in their back garden, so I’ve always had an affinity for really sharp, tart flavours and have always associated it’s bright greenness with Summer. Combined with the sweetness of strawberries to cut through that slight bitterness and you’ve got one of the all time great flavour combos. The fine balancing act of these two flavours lend themselves perfectly to margaritas. I think too much sweetness in a cocktail can straight up kill it, so the mix of Don Julio Blanco Tequila with a homemade rhubarb and strawberry syrup is a match made in heaven. It’s not over-powering, super easy to make and can be customised to your tastes. Prefer something sweeter? Add in some additional agave syrup and make a sugar rim. Want to kick it old school? A salted rim will again counteract some of the sweetness from the syrup and compliment the tequila perfectly.
What are your favourite tipples to make at home? Do you have a signature you keep going back to? And tequila not your bag? Don’t you worry! You can get all the Summer cocktail recipe inspo over on thebar.com! Chin chin!