Perhaps you were stuck under a cactus and didn’t see what today is. Ready??
Imagine my excitement when I saw the news this morning, as smoke was curling out my ears, brainstorming for today’s Happy Hour!
Oh, golden nectar of the blue agave gods, I do love a shot or two of tequila. I’ll have mine with a lick of coarse sea salt and a slice of fresh lime.
Tequila dates back to 1000 BC when indigenous Mexican tribes harvested and fermented the sap of the agave plant. It was called pulque then and was a cloudy, milky drink of about 6% alcohol. In the 16th Century the kind of drink we know today was produced in a Mexican territory not yet known as Tequila. And in 1795 Don Jose Antonio de Cuervo founded the first contemporary brand of tequila as we know it today.
Now as I said, I love tequila straight up, but many will find a blended (or on the rocks) margarita more to their taste. A basic margarita is a blend of tequila, lime juice, and orange liquer. But there is a margarita flavor for everyone, so of course you can play with the basics — but it seems there is a balance of acidic and tart flavors with sweetness. Add fruit like raspberries, pineapple or strawberries, or change up juices like cranberry, grapefruit or coconut. Some recipes add the punch of jalapenos or a twist of mint or basil.
Today I’m pulling out the blender and making this one, because I have all the ingredients.
Watermelon Ginger Margarita
4 C. cubed watermelon
3 oz. lime juice
3 oz. tequila
12 oz. Ginger Ale (I’m using Zevia Ginger Ale– zero sugar)
Ice
And perhaps in the morning, it’ll be a Tequila Sunrise?
Cheers, Happy Friday, Happy Hour — It’s 5:00 eventually where you are!