Whole Fruit Margarita Food

MARGARITA

Steps:

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup and orange liqueur. Cover and shake until mixed and chilled, about 30 seconds. (In general, the drink is ready by the time the shaker mists up.) Place Lime-salt-sugar on a plate. Press the rim of a chilled rocks or wine glass into the mixture to rim the edge. Strain margarita into the glass.
• Put the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. (Alternatively, heat in the microwave.) Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
• Blend together lime, salt and sugar in a small blender or mini food chopper.

WHOLE CITRUS MARGARITAS

Steps:

• Put the oranges, lemons, and limes through a juicer. Pour the juice into a large pitcher. Add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Then stir in the Cointreau, Triple Sec, and tequila.
• To serve: Pour salt onto a small plate. Run a lime wedge around the top of each glass and dip the glass in the salt. Fill each glass halfway with ice and pour in the juice mixture. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve.
• Chef's note: Farm freshness is the key here. Look for the citrus that is mostly in season and adjust the recipe. Tangerines, Meyer lemons, and key limes all have amazing flavor if you can find them.

FRESH FRUIT MARGARITAS

Steps:

• In a bowl, mix together the ricotta and 1 tablespoon sugar substitute. In a separate bowl, combine the Champagne with the fruit and 1 tablespoon sugar substitute.
• Dampen the rims of 6 margarita glasses and roll in the shredded coconut to adhere around the rim. Place a couple tablespoons of fruit mixture in each glass, and top with a dollop of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with the lemon zest and pecans.
• To garnish, stick a frill or sword pick with a strawberry and a couple blueberries on it in the top. There's a 1 drink limit!