Spicy Margarita
History:
The Margarita was invented between 1938-1942 in Mexico, with multiple stories of who was the first to make one.
February 22nd is National Margarita Day!
According to Cazcabel:
The US is the margarita’s biggest market: Americans drink 185,000 margaritas an hour.
The Jalapeno:
The pungency of jalapeño peppers varies but is usually between 4,000 and 8,500 units on the Scoville scale. Commonly picked and consumed while still green, it is occasionally allowed to fully ripen and turn red, orange, or yellow. It is wider and generally milder than the similar Serrano pepper.
Serving: Single Margarita
Ingredients:
1 1/2 ounces silver tequila
1 ounce orange liqueur (Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec)
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
1 jalapeno, sliced
Ice
Lime wedge and coarse salt for rimming the glass
Add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, jalapeno (add one or two slices – adjust to taste) and a few ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Cover and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
Meanwhile, salt rim of glass if desired. Pour mixture into glass with ice. Serve with a lime wedge and jalapeno slice.
Variations:
Add agave nectar or simple syrup
Forgo the jalapeno
Add fruit syrup or juice: peach, strawberry or cranberry to shaker
Substitute your favorite Mexican spice for salt on the rim
Substitute orange juice for orange liqueur