Pomegranate Margarita

When is it not the season for margaritas? Spring is ushered in with a pitcher of strawberry margaritas, while blended mango margaritas can be made at any time of the year. However, the flavor of our margaritas also changes as the weather cools and we begin to consider our favorite fall dishes. A pomegranate margarita is now available. The ideal drink to satisfy a fall margarita craving, it has a fruity, almost cranberry-like flavor and is slightly sweetened with maple syrup.

The best tequila to use for this fruity, tangy pomegranate margarita is silver or tequila Blanco, but you can also use gold or reposado tequila if you prefer. Tequila Anejo, which has been aged in oak for a considerable amount of time, may have stronger flavors that overpower the citrusy notes of the lime and pomegranate.

One of the unsung heroes of mixology is triple sec. Its hint of orange flavors - both fresh juice and bitter peel - and slight sweetness usually support the other elements of a drink. Triple sec has a slight viscosity that lends a pleasant texture to cocktails while also helping to smooth out some of the sharpness of higher-proof alcohols.

Pomegranate juice and lime juice are combined to give this margarita its fruity, tart flavor. With a touch of bitter orange sweetness, triple sec helps to balance out the beverage. With its toasty, caramelized sugar notes, maple syrup gives this marg a fall coziness and softens the sharpness of the acidic lime juice. To help balance the beverage, you can use honey, agave syrup, or even simple syrup.

Recipe for 2 serving(s)

Ingredients:

• 1/4 c. salt
• 1/2 c. pomegranate juice, plus more for dipping the rim
• 3 oz. silver tequila (blanco)
• 1 oz. triple sec
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1/2 oz. maple syrup
• Ice
• Lime slices and pomegranate seeds, to garnish
  

Directions:

• On a small plate, sprinkle the salt. Another small plate should have a splash of pomegranate juice. Dip the rims of two glasses in pomegranate juice and then in salt.
• Combine the pomegranate juice, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, maple syrup, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake for 10-20 seconds to thoroughly chill before straining into two glasses filled with ice. If desired, garnish with a slice of lime and a few pomegranate seeds.