Cherry Lime Margarita Food

CHERRY-LIME MARGARITA

Steps:

• Combine 2 ounces tart cherry juice, 1 1/2 ounces silver tequila, 1/2 ounce orange-flavored liqueur (such as Cointreau), 1/4 ounce grenadine and a lime slice in a shaker with ice; shake to chill. Strain into a short glass filled with ice. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

CHERRY-LIME RICKEY

Steps:

• Combine the cherries, sugar and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Carefully smash the cherries with a potato masher, then simmer the mixture until slightly reduced and dark red, about 10 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes.
• Strain the mixture through a strainer into a heatproof container, pressing on the cherry solids to extract all the juice. There should be about 1 3/4 cups of syrup. Let cool for 30 minutes.
• Combine the cherry syrup with the limeade and lime juice in a pitcher and stir well. There will be about 3 cups total.
• To serve: Either stir in 3 cups water if you want a still drink, or mix equal parts of the drink mix with seltzer in a glass. Serve over ice with frozen cherries and lime wheels.

FROZEN CHERRY MARGARITAS

Steps:

• Using lime wedges, moisten the rims of 4 margarita or cocktail glasses. Set aside lime wedges for garnish. Sprinkle salt on a plate; hold each glass upside down and dip rim into salt. Set aside. Discard remaining salt on plate., In a blender, combine the cherry juice, tequila, lime juice, cherries and, if desired, honey to sweeten to taste; cover and process until blended. Pour into prepared glasses. Garnish with the lime wedges. Serve immediately.

FRESH CHERRY MARGARITAS

Steps:

• Add 1/4 cup cherries to bowl, sprinkle with sugar and muddle with a wooden spoon. Into a shaker with ice combine all ingredients shake and serve with lime wedge and cherry to garnish.

CHERRY LIME MULE

Steps:

• Divide the cherries and juice amongst 4 copper mugs or lowball glasses. Use a fork to smash the cherries a bit. Pour the vodka (or ginger ale for a mocktail) and ginger beer evenly among the mugs. Squeeze the lime juice over top and scoop in a generous amount of crushed ice. Garnish with extra cherries, cherry juice and lime wedges.