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What do you think of when you think of Margaritas?
Hot Mexican sun?
An ice cold cocktail with fresh fruit (and perhaps a little umbrella!) enjoyed with your toes dangling in the pool?
Well, think again!
The best time to enjoy a Margarita is: February 22nd!
NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY
I know it seems strange, but this cold winter’s date is National Margarita Day.
But it’s so much fun!
No one’s completely sure when or where the first Margarita was dreamed up, but there are plenty of people who lay claim to its creation.
Like the drink itself, the actual origins of National Margarita Day are unclear: is it a time-honored tradition?
Or a modern day marketing ploy from the liquor industry?
Does it really matter?
National Margarita Day is a chance to get together with friends, let your hair down and create some fabulous cocktails.
And I’m always down for that.
THE PERFECT WINTER KICK
There’s actually more sense to enjoying a Margarita (or two!) in the winter than you may imagine.
Here are two great reasons why:
1. The limes in a traditional Margarita are an excellent source of Vitamin C – so you can ward off winter colds and chills with a citrus kick.
2. The winter months can be long and dreary – and Margarita Day gives you the perfect excuse to shake off the blues and have a sparkling social night with friends!
FROZEN OR ON THE ROCKS?
The classic Margarita cocktail is made with tequila, triple sec and lime and served in a salt rimmed glass; but the invention of Margarita machines have made frozen and slushy Margaritas far more popular.
The sky’s the limit in terms of the flavors you can create.
HOST A MARGARITA PARTY!
You could take the chill out of winter this February by hosting your own Margarita Day Party.
All you need to do is invest in a great Margarita machine, issue some invitations, dust off your cocktail dress and celebrate in style!
Here are a few fabulous Margarita recipes you could impress your friends with:
THE CLASSIC MARGARITA
Here’s the original recipe which forms the basis for all of the more exotic mixes:
- 2 parts tequila
- 1 part triple sec
- 1 part fresh lime juice
- Option: 1 tsp agave nectar
Shake to blend and serve over ice in a salt rimmed glass (fun fact: the salt really matters – it balances the sweet and sour flavors!)
THE ‘DESIGNATED DRIVER’ MARGARITA
You don’t need alcohol to have a fabulous time on Margarita Day.
Virgin Margaritas are delicious, too.
Offer this tequila-free recipe to your DDs (God love ’em):
- 1 part lime juice.
- 1 part orange juice.
- 1 part sour mix.
Mix it up just like a classic Margarita.
Be sure to serve it in a fancy salt rimmed cocktail glass so that your non-drinking friends don’t feel left out!
SLUSHY STRAWBERRY MARGARITA
If you love frozen Margaritas (we’re gonna call them “slushies” until spring – sounds less cold), get out your Margarita machine and try this fruity number:
- 2 parts tequila
- 1 part triple sec
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 Tbsp strawberry syrup
- 1/2 cup limeade
Throw it all in your Margarita machine with your ice, shave then blend – and Voila!
Best served with a slice of lime and a slice of strawberry or a classy little umbrella.
(Note: any of the slushy Margarita recipes can also be made virgin – just take out the tequila and the triple sec and add sour mix instead.
DECADENT CHOCOLATE MARGARITA
Here’s one for the dessert lover, with the perfect mix of sweetness and spice!
- 2 parts tequila
- 1 part triple sec
- 1 part chocolate liqueur
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3 Tbsp chocolate syrup
- Grated chocolate to garnish
Use your Margarita machine to blend with ice, just like the strawberry slushy and garnish with a little grated chocolate (spicy Mexican chocolate varieties work really well).
BE CREATIVE
Other options include cucumber, mango, cinnamon and spices, cilantro, avocado, melon, pomegranate, cherries…
Anything goes, really!
Especially if you have a Margarita machine (and plenty of tequila!!!) to play with.
You could even have a competition to see who can come up with the most delectable recipe!
I’VE MARKED FEBRUARY 22ND ON MY CALENDAR!
I’m off to put as many ice trays as I can find in the freezer, make a guest list and figure out how to crank up the thermostat!
Happy National Margarita Day!
