Orange Mint Margarita Food

SPARKLING ORANGE MARGARITA

Steps:

• Combine 1 1/2 ounces silver tequila and 1/2 ounce each fresh lime juice and orange-flavored liqueur (such as Cointreau) in a shaker with ice; shake to chill. Strain into a short glass filled with ice. Top with 3 ounces chilled orange soda. Garnish with an orange slice.

MINT JULEP MARGARITA

Steps:

• Place the limes in a cocktail shaker. Sprinkle with the sugar and add the mint leaves. Muddle well, making sure the juice is really extracted from the limes and the sugar has dissolved.
• Add the bourbon, orange liqueur and a couple of ice cubes. Cover and shake well, then strain into a glass. Can be served over ice or straight.
• Top off with seltzer. Garnish with a lime wedge.

3-INGREDIENT GRILLED ORANGE MARGARITA

Steps:

• Prepare a grill or grill pan for medium-high heat. Grill orange halves, cut side down, until well browned, 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Juice oranges, then strain and discard pulp (you should have about 1 1/2 cups juice).
• Pour salt onto a small plate, if using. Rub rim of an old-fashioned or rocks glass with lime wheel, then dip into salt.Stir orange juice, tequila, lime juice, and 8 cups ice in a pitcher. Divide cocktails among glasses and garnish with lime wheels.

SMOKY SERRANO-MINT MARGARITA

Steps:

• Place chile directly over a gas flame, or in a dry cast-iron skillet preheated over high and cook, turning a few times, until blackened all over, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board; let cool completely. Rub a lime wheel around the rims of 2 rocks glasses. Combine salt and sumac on a small plate.
• Dip rims of glasses into salt mixture to coat. Halve chile lengthwise; remove stem, ribs, and seeds. Divide chile, sugar, and mint leaves evenly between 2 glasses; gently pound with a muddling stick or the handle end of a thick wooden spoon until sugar dissolves and chile breaks down into tiny pieces. Fill glasses halfway with ice. Divide tequila, liqueur, and lime juice evenly between glasses; stir to combine. Garnish each with a mint sprig and lime wheel, and serve immediately.

ORANGE-MINT MARGARITA

Steps:

• In a pitcher, muddle mint with orange juice and lime juice. Add tequila and orange liqueur. Fill with ice and stir until cold.
• To serve, dip rims of glasses in a shallow bowl of water, followed by a shallow bowl of salt to coat. Pour margarita into glasses and top with chilled seltzer. Serve with mint sprigs and orange wheels.