Happy National Margarita Day!

There are many claims to the invention of the Margarita, the most popular mixed drink ordered in 2008 in the U.S. (representing 18% of all mixed drink sales in the U.S.). It is definitely one of the most famous tequila cocktails recipes.

But the origin of the cocktail is actually unknown. There are claims that a Dallas socialite, named Margarita Sames, created this drink during a party at her vacation home in Acapulco, Mexico. Others believe that Carlos Herrera is the inventor of the Margarita.

Despite of knowing who created this refreshing drink, I would like to know how can something so simple taste so good? A little salt around the rim, a blend of citrus fruit juice and tequila and olé! You have made yourself a wonderful margarita!

When I educated myself a little bit on the art of making the perfect Margarita, I learned that traditionally there are three basic ingredients: tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice. Obviously, good quality ingredients make a better Margarita.

In my opinion, colorless or “blanca” tequilas have a smoother taste than the gold. Also, you should use fresh squeezed lime juice. The limes should be ripe, juicy and soft. Finally, the most appropriate type of salt is considered to be the coarse kosher salt.

I have a great Margarita recipe for two:

Margarita on the Rocks

Ingredients:

¾ cup of tequila
¼ cup of triple sec
¼ cup of fresh squeezed of lime juice
1 tablespoon of fresh squeezed lemon juice
Coarse kosher salt
Lime wedge
Ice cubes
2 packets of sweetener (optional)

Add the tequila, orange liqueur, fruit juices and sweetener in a cocktail shaker half filled with ice cubes. Close it and shake well for about 1 minute.

Moisten the rim of the glass with lime and then salt it. Fill half of the two cocktail glasses with ice. Pour the mixed drink into cocktail glasses and enjoy!

Cherry Mojito

Cherries are great in desserts but they can be a sweet ingredient in cocktails as well. Here is a Cherry Mojito recipe that is ideal for entertaining and may become your new favorite drink. It’s also easy to prepare!

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups fresh lime juice (about 9 limes)
3 pounds dark cherries, such as Bing or Burlat, pitted
2 1/4 cups best-quality black cherry or plain vodka
1 (750 ml) bottle sparkling water


Bring sugar and 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat; let cool completely. (Makes about 2 cups syrup.) Syrup can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 month.

Put lime juice into a medium nonreactive bowl. Halve 2/3 of the cherries; add all cherries to lime juice. Stir in syrup. Refrigerate at least 1 hour (up to overnight).

Stir cherry mixture and vodka in a large serving bowl. Fill 12 glasses with ice. Spoon 1/2 cup cherry-vodka mixture into each glass. Top with sparkling water; serve immediately.


Serves 12

Note: Omit the vodka to make a delicious cherry soda.


From The Martha Stewart Show, all rights reserved

Have a Brazilian cocktail to celebrate the weekend!

Today is Friday, my favorite day of the week! The weekend is just starting and to celebrate I gave a simple cocktail recipe for you to unwind. It is fun version of the traditional “caipirinha” (the most famous Brazilian cocktail drink).  This drink is traditionally made with “cachaça” – Brazil’s national spirit made from sugar cane juice – but if can use a good quality vodka if you prefer.

Kiwi & Strawberry "Caipirinha":

Ingredients:

3 oz of “cachaça” or vodka

1 pint of fresh strawberries, sliced

¼ cup of fresh lime juice

½ kiwi, sliced

1 ¼ tablespoons of sugar or sweetener

½ cup of crushed ice, plus ice cubes for serving

Blend on high speed half of the strawberries, lime juice, ice, sugar and liquor until smooth. Strain it if desired.  Place remaining strawberry slices and kiwi on 4 glasses half filled with ice cubes. Distribute blended mixture evenly and serve.