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Smoky Strawberry Jalapeño Margaritas with Chile Salt Rim

Smoky Strawberry Jalapeño Margaritas with Chile Salt Rim


  • Yield: makes 2 cocktails (with extra syrup), easily multiplied 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Strawberry Syrup:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, halved

For the Rims:

  • 1 lime, halved
  • 1 tablespoon smoked sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon chipotle chile powder

For the Margaritas (makes 2):

  • Ice
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 3 oz of the strawberry syrup (or more, to taste)
  • ¼ cup gold tequila
  • ¼ teaspoon chipotle chile powder
  • 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (triple sec or Grand Marnier)
  • 2 fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish
  • 2 thin slices of jalapeño pepper, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions

For the Syrup:

  1. Combine the water and sugar in a medium saucepan and set over medium heat. Stirring frequently, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for a few minutes or until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the berries and jalapeño pepper and remove the pan from the heat. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
  2. Remove the pepper from the syrup and discard. Pour the remaining mixture into a blender and blend until completely smooth. Set a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl or container and pour the puree through the strainer into the bowl.
  3. Cover and chill the syrup until you are ready to use it.

For the Rims:

  1. Run the halved lime around the edges of two chilled glasses (save the lime for the drinks).
  2. In a shallow bowl or plate, mix together the salt, sugar, and chili powder. Dip the rims of the glasses into the salt mixture and turn to evenly coat.

For Two Margaritas:

  1. Add the lime juice, strawberry syrup, tequila, chile powder, and liqueur to a shaker filled with ice. Fill the glasses with ice.
  2. Shake vigorously for a few seconds to thoroughly mix together the ingredients. Taste and add more of the strawberry syrup, as needed. Divide the mixture between the two glasses and garnish each with a lime wedge, some sliced strawberries, and a jalapeño slice. Serve immediately.