Fresh-style margaritas

Margaritas made with quality tequila (usually silver which is not aged and therefore has a more ‘clean’ flavor), some agave nectar/syrup and fresh lime juice leaving them fresh-flavored and missing the sickly sweet component often found in a margarita (which I personally believe is the hangover-waiting-to-happen ingredient). The addition of fruit or vegetables shift the flavors again in a clean, fresh way.

Base Margarita Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Silver Tequila (preferably something organic like Republic or El Tesoro)
• .75 oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
• .5 oz Light Agave Nectar

Here’s the really fun part: This recipe works with virtually any fresh fruit or vegetable, making it extremely versatile for a summer cocktail. Try it with some of the following combinations:

Blueberry-Strawberry Margarita:  2 large strawberries (sliced before muddling) and 10 blueberries

Cucumber-Thyme Margarita: 4-¼ inch slices of cucumber, chopped before muddling and the leaves of about 3 sprigs of thyme

Blackberry-Mint Margarita: 6 large blackberries and about 5 medium mint leaves (I used classic peppermint found in the home garden).I rough chopped the mint first to add in the muddling.

Instructions

1. Gently muddle any fresh ingredients in the bottom of a mixing glass or shaker.
2. Combine the tequila, lime, and agave on top and shake with ice for 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain over fresh ice in a double old fashioned glass and garnish with whatever fresh ingredients you used.