Naughty Nice Margarita
A touch of sweetness with a little bit of spice – the perfect “naughty nice” margarita...spicy, sweet, and festive!
Servings: 1 drink
Calories: 389kcal
Ingredients
Vanilla Jalapeño Honey Syrup
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1-2 jalapeños, sliced
- 6 slices fresh ginger
- 1 star anise
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Margarita
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) tequila
- 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) orange liquor (Cointreau)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons vanilla syrup
- ginger beer for topping (optional)
Instructions
- 1. To make the vanilla jalapeño honey syrup. In a pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the honey, jalapeños, ginger, and star anise to a gentle boil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Let cool, stir in the vanilla, then strain the syrup into a glass jar. This makes enough for 6-8 drinks. The longer you allow the jalapeños to sit, the spicier the syrup.2. If desired, rim your glass with salt, then fill with ice.3. Combine the tequila, orange liquor, lime juice, vanilla, and vanilla jalapeño honey syrup in a cocktail shaker. Shake well to combine, then fill with ice and shake for 1 minute. Pour into your prepared glass. Top with ginger beer and garnish with sugared cranberries, if desired.4. To Make a Mocktail: omit the tequila and orange liquor. In their place, use 2 tablespoons of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Sugared Cranberries 1. In a pot, bring 1/2 cup honey and 1/3 cup water to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat. Add 2 cups fresh cranberries. Let sit for 10-15 minutes. Strain the cranberries, then add them to a parchment-lined baking sheet.2. Toss the cranberries with 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until all the cranberries are coated. Allow the cranberries to dry in a single layer for at least one hour.
Notes
Flaky Ginger Salt
1. On a shallow plate, mix 2 tablespoons flaky sea salt, 1 tablespoon coarse or granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger. Rim each glass as desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 389kcal | Fiber: 1g
