Drink Recipe:: Garden Variety Margarita
This Garden Variety Margarita is a great way to celebrate the return of warmer weather and fresh produce. The combination of tequila, lime, and herbs is bright and lively, with just the right amount of sweetness from the agave syrup. Enjoy!
Origin Story
The "Garden Variety Margarita" was created by Jim Meehan (@mixography), the author of "PTD" and the owner of the iconic New York City cocktail bar, PDT (Please Don't Tell). The cocktail was inspired by the fresh herbs and produce that can be found in gardens during the spring and summer months.
Some quick background on Meehan, he is a highly respected figure in the world of craft cocktails and has won numerous awards for his innovative approach to mixology. He has been recognized by publications such as Food & Wine, The New York Times, and GQ, and he has been a James Beard Award nominee multiple times.
The "Garden Variety Margarita" had become a popular drink at PDT and other bars around the world, and it is a great example of Meehan's commitment to using fresh, seasonal ingredients in his cocktails.
What To Expect
The "Garden Variety Margarita" is a refreshing and herbaceous twist on the classic Margarita cocktail. Here are some tasting notes you can expect:
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Appearance: The cocktail has a bright, clear appearance with a pale green tint from the fresh herbs.
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Aroma: The aroma is fresh and fragrant, with notes of citrus from the lime juice, sweetness from the agave syrup, and a subtle herbal undertone from the fresh herbs.
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Flavor: The flavor is lively and bright, with a balanced mix of tart lime juice, sweet agave syrup, and the herbaceous flavor of fresh herbs. The tequila provides a smooth and subtle base, with a slight kick of heat from the alcohol.
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Finish: The finish is crisp and clean, with a lingering herbal note that lingers on the palate.
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1/4 oz agave syrup
- 4-5 sprigs of fresh herbs (such as cilantro, basil, or mint)
- Salt (for rimming the glass)
- Garnish: herb sprig and lime wheel
Recipe
- Muddle the fresh herbs in the bottom of a shaker.
- Add the tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and agave syrup to the shaker.
- Fill with ice and shake well.
- Rim a rocks glass with salt and strain the cocktail over ice.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs and a lime wheel.
Pairs Well With
This drink pairs well with a variety of fresh, light dishes that complement its herbaceous and citrus notes. Here are some food pairing suggestions:
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Grilled seafood: The bright, citrusy flavors of the Margarita complement the flavors of grilled seafood, such as shrimp or fish.
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Fresh salads: The herbaceous notes of the Margarita work well with fresh, leafy salads that feature bright, tangy dressings.
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Mexican-inspired dishes: The Margarita's tequila base makes it a natural pairing for Mexican-inspired dishes, such as tacos or enchiladas.
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Light appetizers: The Margarita is a refreshing drink that pairs well with light appetizers, such as fresh guacamole or ceviche.
Overall, the "Garden Variety Margarita" is a versatile cocktail that pairs well with a range of fresh and light dishes. Its herbaceous and citrus notes make it a great choice for spring and summer meals.
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