Jug o' Margarita

Who's thinking Margarita's in the middle of March? Well, I think any day is Margarita day! Meg asked me today for my secret recipe, and after this post I guess it's not so secret anymore.

A couple of years ago on Mothers day I whipped up a batch of these, and let me say - many jugs were made throughout the night. Just a warning, these are strong! And, since they are on the stronger side they are perfect served on the rocks, blended, or shaken. Whichever way you decide to serve them you'll need enough ingredients on hand to make a couple jugs like I did.

Make simple syrup the day before since it needs to cool before using. This recipe makes approximately 3 cups of syrup which means you have enough for three jugs. Side note about simple syrup (I will go into more detail in a separate post), you can infuse the syrup with herbs, citrus, vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, dried spice, ginger, peppercorns, fresh or dried chiles, or even edible flowers like lavender or rose petals.

To make Simple Syrup:

• 2 cups sugar

• 2 cups water

1. Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat.

2. Stir until sugar is dissolved, this will only take a couple of minutes. Remove from heat and cool.

3. Store in a covered container and refrigerate for about a month.

To make Jug o' Margarita

• 1 750ml bottle of good tequila

• 2 cups of triple sec

• 1 3/4 cups of lime juice (about 15-20 limes)

• 1 cup of simple syrup

• extra lime juice and salt for rimming the glass

1. Mix all of the ingredients in a large pitcher.

2. Do this a couple hours before you plan to serve and place in refrigerator - you want it cold.

3. Pour over ice in a cocktail glass, shake on ice in shaker, or blend with ice in blender.

*You can adjust this recipe by adding more simple syrup if you want it sweeter or more lime if you like it more tart. You're the bartender, you decide!

For the rimmer don't just settle for boring salt. Be creative - I suggest equal parts salt and sugar with grated lime peel and a pinch or two of cayenne pepper, mix together well. Rim glass with lime juice then dip in rim mixture.

Let me know what you think and tag me on Facebook or Instagram with your drinks!