Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Spicy Grapefruit Margarita

 

Over here at The Oaks bed and breakfast, we love a good margarita, and often the spicier the better.  This month we are bringing to your bar, a Spicy Grapefruit Margarita that is paired with a jalapeno and lemon basil. 

 

               We kicked up the spice a bit by zesting the jalapeno to create more kick with this summer special, and the garnish with the lemon basil just adds a little kick of citrus to an already delicious drink.  Another key component to this drink is to use only fresh squeezed juice.  Juice that grapefruit and lime directly into your shaker cup, when mixing this delightful drink. 

 

               Of course, you can dial up your sweetness and spice by adding more honey or jalapeno or less.  Make this drink your own and enjoy it with friends.  You can even make it a mocktail by removing the tequila and orange liquor.  I would splash in some nonalcoholic  orange bitters to grab that flavor and an additional amount of grapefruit juice to help fill the glass. 

 

Spicey Grapefruit Margarita

Serving size 2 drinks 

½ cup fresh squeezed grapefruit juice

3 TBLS fresh squeezed lime juice

2 TBLS agave or honey

3 oz white tequila

2 oz orange liquor

Salt to rim the glass

Lemon basil for garnish

 

Before you mix your drink prepare your glass.  Rub a lime wedge or grapefruit wedge around the glass and then salt with your favorite option.  Take all your liquid ingredients and pour into a shaker cup that has been filled with ice.  Vigorously shake your drink to mix together.  Then pour it over your salted, ice filled glass.  Garnish with grapefruit, lemon basil, lime or jalapeno slices.

 

               Make this drink your own and mix it up with different bases to find the one you like the best.  Increase the sweetness as you desire or decrease to make your drink more tart.  Mix in additional jalapeno for extra spice or remove it to eliminate all spice.  Either way, this drink will be a summer favorite for sure.

 

               As always please drink responsibly by having a designated driver.  We hope you will let us know if you make this cocktail and tell us which you like it the best.  Cheers!

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Cupid's Cosmo

 

            Hello February!  Did you feel like January would never end?  I know we did but at long last a new month is here, and we are ready to celebrate and make things happen.  Since this has been dubbed the month of love, we are taking a little twist on a classic drink to add to our herb infused cocktails.  Each month our cocktail creation is pulled from our love of gardening and growing flavors to tease your palate. 

               This month, our featured herb is Mint.  Even though it is winter, and mint usually takes a little break, ours is still hanging on.  If you do not have mint growing, your local grocery store usually will have it on hand.  This month it is both part of our garnish and muddled in the bottom of the shaker cup.  In the past it has been used to make a simple syrup as well.  With so many uses, how could you turn away from such a great herb? 

               Of course, we had to give this drink a cute name in recognition of Valentine’s Day.  Cupid’s Cosmo, is simple and refreshing while welcoming in the traditional flavors of a cosmopolitan. 

 

Cupid’s Cosmo

3-4 min leaves, extra for garnish

2 ounces Vodka

1 ounce triple sec

1 ounce cranberry juice

½ ounce fresh lime juice

Muddle some mint at the bottom of a shaker cup.  Pour over the liquid ingredients, then shake everything together, with ice.  Pour into a fresh glass and enjoy.  Garnish with a sprig of mint and lime wedge.

          

     Nothing too complicated in this one drink.  It’s great to enjoy yourself, with friends or at dinner with someone special.  Join us on Valentine’s Day and order this drink with your dinner.  It will not disappoint.  

               While the history of the Cosmopolitan is up for debate, its popularity was derived from the HBO television show “Sex in the City.”  From Miami to New York to Minneapolis the Cosmo has been made and drank all over the US and abroad, even if no one can claim it for themselves as the creator.  You can enjoy it locally with us or follow our recipe and enjoy it at home. 

               We hope you will give it a try at home or at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, when you happen to be staying with us.  Until then please be sure to enjoy responsibly and have a designated driver.  Cheers!