Chapter 6, “Pregaming” in “Changing the Game” contains my delicious and balanced, traditional margarita recipe. This is the way I make my margaritas, with no mixes so I can “bank” calories which I always put towards my cooking. While maintaining that tradition, I decided to put a slight twist (pun intended) in a variation of that recipe that would be seductively fragrant and cool off the hot summer day… before making it hotter. Of course, this recipe was intended to impress my wife (again) and what else was I going to do with that tin of lavender buds she brought home? However, everyone that has tried it has encouraged me to share and I’ve been entertaining a lot of folks this summer. So, here ya go!
The key ingredient in my Sexy Mexi Margarita is a homemade lavender simple syrup. The lavender aroma and flavor blends almost seamlessly with the tequila, and a little freshly squeezed lime juice further enhances this combination. Here are a few learnings to guide you in achieving an exceptional tasting experience with your Sexy Mexi Margarita:
Make plenty of simple syrup. This drink goes down easy and is delicious. You’ll go through the simple syrup (and most likely the tequila) and if you don’t, refrigerate it for next weekend.
You don’t have to use a one-to-one ratio of water to sugar in your simple syrup. In fact, I’ll use almost a two to one ratio because I want the syrup to spend more time cooking down with the lavender buds to extract more of their flavor. You’ll have plenty of sweetness and actually, the appropriate amount of brix (from a qualitative taste perspective if you ask me) for this drink when you use the suggested ratio of water to sugar.
Don’t skimp on the lavender buds in the simple syrup. I’ll typically use a tablespoon of lavender buds for each cup of water in my simple syrup recipe.
This recipe calls for Tequila Blanco. I suggest using a top-shelf brand that you know is well-made and you enjoy the flavor of.
You can coat the rim of the glass with lime juice or the simple syrup. I like it either way. But, I’ve observed the lavender aroma more readily when sipping after coating the glass with the infused simple syrup.
Don’t forget the blackberries. It wouldn’t be SEXY Mexi if the black berries didn’t give it, it’s color.
Lastly, you can mix this Margarita in a blender or a shaker. The blender is the way to go if you want the ice crushed in true Margarita fashion.
Sexy Mexi Margarita
Ingredients
For the Lavender Simple Syrup
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds
For the Margarita
- 2 parts Tequila Blanco
- 1 part lavender simple syrup
- 1/2 part freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 to 4 blackberries
- Ice
Instructions
- Prepare the lavender simple syrup by combining the water, sugar, and lavender buds in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. After the mixture has reduced by a third to half, about 10 minutes, remove from heat and let cool. Strain into a jar to reserve the liquid and discard the buds.
- Coat the rims of your glasses with the simple syrup or lime juice and dip in salt. Set aside.
- Muddle the blackberries in the lime juice and add this mixture to your blender or shaker.
- Add ice, the Tequila and simple syrup to your shaker or blender and mix to desired consistency and to thoroughly blend all ingredients. Serve in the salted glasses and enjoy.
