Have Plate Will Travel : July 2016

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Tuesday, July 19, 2016

National margarita day celebrates the popular drink with a few twists



While no one knows the exact origin, the margarita has become an extremely popular beverage. Whether enjoyed on the rocks or frozen, the libation that combines tequila, triple sec, and lime juice can be enjoyed any time of the year. This popular mixed drink even has a day to celebrate. On February 22, National Margarita Day is a perfect excuse to tip back this popular libation.
With classically just three ingredients, the margarita should be easy to master. The key to a great, not good, margarita is quality ingredients. While a prepared mix is easy, simple, natural ingredients can make for a more flavorful cocktail.
From a favorite classic to a modern twist, these margaritas are delightful for a toast to National Margarita Day.

Elevated Margarita
Ingredients:
2 parts Avión Silver or Reposado
1 part Fresh Lime Juice
1/2 part Agave Nectar
Directions: Combine ingredients in shaker with ice, shake vigorously until well chilled. Fine strain over fresh ice and garnish with a lime wheel.


Chipotle Cocoa Margarita
Ingredients:
3 Slices of Orange
1 Slice of Lemon
1/4 oz. Light Agave
2 oz. Avión Añejo
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Chipotle Powder

Directions: Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass that has been rimmed with a mixture of cocoa powder and chipotle powder, and garnish with an orange twist.

Blood Orange Margarita
Ingredients:
1½ parts Tequila Avión
¾ part Cointreau Orange Liqueur
1 part Blood Orange Juice
½ part Fresh Sour Mix
Directions: In a cocktail shaker add all ingredients with ice.  Shake and strain; best served over fresh ice and garnish with an orange twist.



Flying Pomegranate Margarita
Ingredients:
1 1/2 parts Avión Silver
1 3/4 part Pomegranate Juice
3/4 part Orange Liqueur
3/4 part Sour Mix (2:1 Lime/Simple Syrup)

Directions: Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with a lime twist.

Kiwi Margarita
Ingredients:
Handful of Fresh Kiwi
1 teaspoon Brown Sugar
1 oz. Cointreau
Fresh Lime Juice
2 oz. Avión Añejo
Garnish with Kiwi Wheel

Directions: Muddle a handful of fresh kiwi in a pint glass to bring out the juices and flavor. Add one teaspoon brown sugar, a dash of Cointreau and fresh lime. Then, finish it off with 2 ounces of Avión Añejo. Shake and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a kiwi wheel.