Category: Tequila

You Must Make This Blackberry-Passion Fruit Margarita!

Happy National Margarita Day! 

If you’ve followed me even a little, than you know that I love tequila! So today is kind of made for me!

So, let’s talk tequila for a quick moment… use whatever brand at whatever price point that you like! Just make sure that somewhere on the bottle says 100% Puro Agave (or Blue Agave).  If it doesn’t say that, please don’t buy it!  I highly recommend Patron, Tequila Ocho, and Espolon, but do some taste testing and find the brands you like the best.  If you want to learn more about tequila, tequila brands, or get some really great information from real tequila masters check out tequilamatchmaker.com

Now for the reason that you’re here, the Margarita.  You only need 3 things for a great Margarita- Tequila, Orange Liqueur, and Lime Juice (make sure it’s fresh squeezed! It really does make a difference!)- but we’re going to take it a step further by adding some Passion Fruit and Blackberries, because it’s a delicious flavor combination. 

If you don’t have blackberries you can use any berries you’d like, throw in a spoonful of your favorite jam, or if you’d prefer just stick to the classic.  One of the great things about Margaritas is how versatile they are, so make sure you make yours how you like it! (And don’t be afraid to (nicely!) get specific about your preferences with your  bartenders.) 

Remember that recipes are guidelines, measure with your heart!

Blackberry-Passion Fruit Margarita

  • 2oz Silver Tequila
  • .75oz Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
  • .75oz Lime Juice (fresh squeezed)
  • .5oz Agave Nectar
  • .75oz Re’Al Passion Fruit Puree
  • 4-5 Blackberries

In a shaker in muddle your blackberries well.  Add the rest of your ingredients and shake with ice.  If desired rim your glass with salt, sugar, or Tajin, and fill with ice.  Strain your Margarita into your glass and garnish with a lime wheel. 

Adjust the Lime Juice to Agave Nectar ratio to fit your liking.

If you like a frozen Margarita, place all the ingredients in the blender with ½-3/4 cup of ice and blend til smooth.

I found all of these ingredients at my grocery store or local liquor store, but if you can’t find the Re’Al brand near you should be able to find in on Amazon.

Tell me what you think!  Will you be making a Margarita soon?

The Best ‘Naughty or Spice Punch’ Full of Christmas Cheer!

I’m making a list.  I’m checking it twice.  We’re making a Christmas cocktail that’s Naughty & Spice!  It’s a little sweet, a little tart, with just enough spice to keep things interesting! 

Are you hosting a holiday gathering?  Do you want to serve a simple (and simply delicious) punch that is sure to please a crowd?  Then let’s get mixing because this is the cocktail for you! 

Naughty or Spice Punch

  • Patron Reposado ¾ cup
  • Cran-Apple Juice 1 ½ cup
  • Gran Marnier ¼ cup
  • Prophecy Pinot Grigio 1 Bottle
  • Lemon Juice ¼ cup
  • Ginger Liqueur ¼ cup
  • Club Soda to top
  • 1 Lemon, Sliced
  • 1 Orange, Sliced 
  • 1 Large Apple, Diced Fuji or Gala preferred
  • 1 Pear, Diced Bartlet or Bosc preferred
  • Cinnamon Sticks

In a large pitcher combine Patron Reposado, Cran-Apple Juice, Gran Marnier, Pinot Grigio, Lemon Juice, and Ginger Liqueur.  Mix well.  Add Lemon, Orange, Apple, and Pear.  Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. 

To Serve – Add ice to your pitcher.  Pour 4-6 oz into a wine glass over ice, be sure to add some of the delicious infused fruit to each glass.  Top with a splash of club soda.  Add a few cranberries and a cinnamon stick.  Enjoy!

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you- it’s long, but not complicated!  I bet you have many of the ingredients at home right now, and the rest you can find at your grocery store. 

As always, a recipe is just a suggestion- if you don’t like or don’t have tequila, use vodka.  If you don’t have pears, just double the apples.  Swap the Pinot Grigio for Sauvignon Blanc if you prefer, but I would avoid Chardonnay or White Zinfandel for this recipe.  And use Cinnamon Sticks, powdered Cinnamon won’t dissolve well and may make the cocktail feel a little gritty, and that will definitely land you on the naughty list! Happy Mixing!