Mango Jalapeno Margarita

Just in time for the 4th of July, this refreshing and citrusy Margarita is made with healthy and fresh ingredients.  Tequila is definitely my drink of choice when it comes to a cocktail and what serves tequila better than a margarita? Whenever summertime comes along, I always get so excited about the idea of having a frozen or on the rocks margarita by the pool.  The idea, always intriguing, never lives up to its expectations.  There is nothing more off putting to me than a margarita filled with overly sweetened and syrupy mixes that are almost unbearable to drink.  I like to make fresh margaritas without simple syrup, without sour mix and even without the traditional orange flavored liquor Triple Sec—instead replacing everything with healthier alternatives.  You can make a basic margarita with this recipe, or you can spruce it up and add some fresh fruit and spice for a little extra kick.  I like to add fresh mango chunks and jalapeno ice cubes to mine and a little cayenne pepper to my salt and sugar rim.  If you fill an ice tray with jalapeno slices and water, you can make jalapeno ice cubes that are infused with jalapeno flavor.  As the ice cubes melt, they slowly give off the jalapeno’s flavor and spice. 

Serves 2

Basic Margarita recipe:

• Juice of one navel orange
• Juice of 2 limes
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 glass of ice cubes
• 2 teaspoon of agave
• 3 ounces of tequila

For the Mango Jalapeño Margarita: 

• Half of a fresh mango, cubed 
• Jalapeño ice cubes 

Directions for Basic Margarita:

1. Juice half of a navel orange, 2 limes, and lemon into a glass full of ice cubes.
2.  Add agave and tequila and shake or stir together. 
3. Fill a bowl with water and another bowl with a combination of sea salt and turbinado sugar.  You can also add a dash of cayenne to the salt and sugar combination for an extra kick. 
4. Take a glass and dip the top, ¼ inch deep, into the bowl of water.  Gently shake off and then dip into the bowl filled with salt and sugar combination. 
5. Add some ice cubes to the glass and then pour margarita over the ice. 

Directions for Mango Jalapeno Margarita: 

1. Follow instructions for the basic margarita, but before you add ice cubes and margarita to your glass, add mango chunks to the bottom of the glass and muddle slightly.  
2. Top with jalapeño ice cubes and margarita. 
3. To make the jalapeno ice cubes, slice a whole jalapeno into evenly thick slices and distribute equally amongst an ice tray.  Cover jalapeno slices with filtered water and freeze until frozen into ice cubes.