I’m going to be up front and admit to you all that this was pulled out of my drafts folder. It’s been sitting in there for over a year, just waiting to be shared with the world. While I’ve been trying to monitor my alcohol consumption during this time (at least on weeknights), when the weather is warm enough and the sun is shining bright, Eric and I will pour a cocktail and sit outside and chat… or just listen at all the sounds of the world.
A perfect margarita, for me, is one that hasn’t been messed with. But, I do adore anything with a little kick and this I had my first cilantro drink the other week, and I realized it'd be the perfect addition to a spicy margarita. Now, I know a "perfect margarita" is just tequila, lime and Cointreau, but this is my idea of the perfect margarita: herbal, spicy, savory, tangy and just a little sweet.
Cilantro Jalapeno Margarita
SERVINGS
1 drink (but can easily be multiplied)
GLASSWARE
Rocks glass
INGREDIENTS
2 oz tequila
1 oz lime juice
1/2 oz Cointreau
1 slice jalapeno (with or without seeds, depending on how spicy you'd like it)
5 cilantro leaves
Lime wedge (a used one will do just fine, it just needs some juice in it)
Salt (I used Tajin Clasico with Lime, but Kosher salt works fine)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Pour salt onto a plate. Rub the rim of the glass with the lime wedge and then dip the rim into the salt, spin slowly until rim is lightly coated in salt.
2. Pour tequila, lime juice, Cointreau into a mixing glass, along with the jalapeno and cilantro.
3. Using a muddler, mash the jalapeno and cilantro until it's thoroughly broken up.
4. Fill rimmed glass with ice and strain drink into the glass.
