I want to say it’s hot, but considering it’s just the first day of June in South Louisiana, I know better. For I know a day will come in August, when I will be wishing for this 90 degree day. Many people have ways to stay cool–dips in swimming pools, fans with misters, personal fans, water balloon or water hose fights, or simply staying inside with the A/C cranked up. Some like a tall refreshing glass of cold lemonade or iced tea. I like a short glass of my cranberry champagne margarita. Yes, I said champagne margarita. If you haven’t tried one yet, I highly recommend it. The champagne cuts down on the tartness of the limes making the drink smoother.
I myself, never knew such a thing existed until I saw a frozen champagne margarita on a menu. At first, I thought what kind of crazy idea is this, then I thought a combination of two of my favorite drinks must be tried. It did not disappoint. I returned home one happy camper with an idea to create a lighter champagne margarita to get me through the summer. I also wanted one that would be versatile enough to use up fruits that I might have on hand. Yes this is the time to fulfill your bartending fantasy. Think of the movie “Cocktail”, in fact, download the movie soundtrack for some cocktail shaking motivation!
Ingredients
- 4 oz cranberry juice cocktail
- 2 limes, freshly squeezed* reserve lime peels
- 1 oz triple sec
- 2 oz tequila
- 3 oz champagne
- sugar for rim of glass
Instructions
- Run inside of lime peel around rim of cocktail glass.
- Put sugar on a small plate. Dip rim of glass into sugar.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine cranberry juice, lime juice, tequila, triple sec and a few ice cubes. Stir until chilled.
- Fill glasses with ice. Strain mixture into glass.
- Top with champagne.
- If desired, garnish with lime wedge or twist of lime peel.
Notes
Zest limes and freeze zest to use in baking and cooking.
Put Your TO COOK IS TO CREATE Thinking cap on: This is a very easy and versatile cocktail recipe. Get creative with what fruit and juice you may have on hand. I have used blueberries to tasty success. I just made a puree of them first. Can’t wait to try strawberries! No cranberry juice? How about grape juice, other cranberry juice blends, or tropical fruit juice or punch? Have orange juice? Use it! Think mimosa meets margarita! Not in the mood for a margarita? Try a Pomegranate Bubble Gum Martini.
FOOD FUN: Or should I say DRINK FUN: No jigger on hand to measure recipe amounts? No problem. Simply use the old bartenders trick of counting, called a free pour. There are different methods, but I always did a standard 1-2-3-4 count. Simply start pouring and start counting. A 4 count is a full 1 oz shot, 3 count is 3/4 oz, 2 count is 1/2 oz and 1 count is 1/4 oz. This is a quick method to use when making drinks and it means one less glass to wash. A plus in my house!
A very refreshing drink…..with champagne it HAS to be delicious. Love margaritas too. This is a win win situation for me! Delicious especially in this very hot humid time of the year. Never knew about the count for drink making. I always seem to learn a new tip with this blog…..thanks Chef.
Yum 🙂