We got spoiled by a few days of really beautiful weather last week. But just before I left for California, it started getting cold again and, when I returned, nothing had changed. It's pretty crisp out there. You don't mind a few minutes walking at a fast clip, but any more than that isn't much fun. That didn't stop me from spending a little time in our garden. Mind you, I wasn't actually gardening. Just looking to see what progress had been made while I was away. Every time I look, something else starts to come up. I can't wait to see it all looks like at its peak.
Even though I swore that I'd take a day to recuperate from a weekend spent photographing the Potluck, I couldn't help but take my camera out to get some pictures. I've been playing around with different flavored rims for my margaritas and one of my favorites is this one that's made, very simply, by combining sugar with a ton of lemon and lime zest. I sprinkle that on a plate and add powdered ginger and a touch of Kosher salt. It just takes the whole margarita experience to a whole new level.
Speaking of margaritas... let's chat about that. When it comes to margaritas, I'm kind of a traditionalist. Well, most of the time I am. If using fresh juice, I'm open to interpretation. Store-bought mix, however, is off limits. Who needs it? Not me! Yes, yes, I know limes are expensive right now. So, if you want, use grapefruit. Just please don't use that cloyingly sweet pre-made mix. This one definitely isn't traditional, but it's just as refreshing and still the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and, with that special rim, just a little salty.
Citrus Margarita with Lemon, Lime and Ginger Rim
Source Makes 1 drink, but enough rim sugar for 4 drinks
Ingredients
For the rim Zest of two organic lemons Zest of one organic lime 1.5 cups sugar 1.5 tablespoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
For the margarita 1 oz fresh pink grapefruit juice .5 oz lime juice .5 oz lemon juice 2 oz tequila blanco .5 oz Cointreau
Instructions to prepare the rim
1. In a bowl, whisk together sugar and citrus zest. Let sit for 1 hour before using.
2. Once ready to use, spoon a quarter cup of the citrus sugar onto a plate. Add the ginger and Kosher salt and give it a quick stir to disperse.
Instructions for the margarita
1. To rim the glass, moisten the rim of the glass with a lime wedge. Dab the rim with the sugar-salt mixture until it's coated.
2. For the margarita, add the grapefruit juice, lime juice, lemon juice, tequila and Cointreau to a measuring cup. Give a couple stirs. Fill prepared glass with ice and pour cocktail in. Garnish with lime wedge.
