If pomegranates and cranberries are only synonymous with the holidays I’m in big trouble. I’m still buying them and even more importantly still loving them. They are two of the things I look most forward to each winter; dare I say they might be the only reasons? :)
I recently made this Spinach, Pomegranate and Prosciutto Salad and it was so divine I want one everyday. I was encouraged that I’m not alone when I was served a house special ‘winter’ cocktail this past weekend with cranberries and sage (that I’m sharing next week) but also when I saw David Lebovitz post a recipe the other day that uses cranberry sauce in a glaze for meatballs. It felt so good knowing I was not alone!
It’s no big surprise that I love margaritas and making my own is what had me turn the corner years ago. I might even be a bit of a margarita snob…if being snobby is categorized by using quality products and fresh fruit for my libations. I learned long ago, and yes I am repeating myself here…use a decent reposado tequila, none of that really cheap stuff. I also don’t recommend using really expensive stuff either…somewhere in the middle is good; I like 1800 Reposado. Reasonably priced and slightly aged makes it my go to. Plus? Real orange liqueur. Cheap triple sec does not count. I like using Patron’s Citronge but have also used Grand Marnier and both are good. Just look at the label; it should include the essence of orange, not just sugar and artificial flavors. Start with those two and the rest is easy. Fresh fruit is a must but I won’t lie and I love using both lemon and lime and in a pinch I have used frozen lemonade and limeade in lieu of fresh fruit and simple syrup. In a pinch means a blizzard is raging and I want a margarita. Bad.
This is a gorgeous cocktail with a nice citrus bite and I can’t deny it certainly embodies the colors of holidays just past. I say that even as I look at a Christmas tree that is still standing; yikes…please don’t judge! But seriously don’t let that stop you. Let’s assume you are planning in advance for Valentine’s Day; that red is just beautiful isn’t it?
- 1½ ounces Tequila
- 2 oz pomegranate juice
- 2 oz orange liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1½ ounces simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, brought to a boil until sugar dissolves and cooled before using)
- Margarita salt for rimming (I like to combine equal parts coarse salt and sugar)
- Lime sections and pomegranate arils for garnish
- Rim the edge of your glass with a lime wedge and dip in salt. Fill the glass with ice.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour tequila, pomegranate juice, orange liqueur, lime and lemon juices and simple syrup in shaker. Shake hard 12-15 times and then pour mixture into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with lime slices and pomegranate arils.
