Cocktail Hour // Spicy Strawberry Margaritas

Growing up in Texas, spice is a part of all of the best meals.  Whether it's migas in the morning  for breakfast or a spicy chili on a cold evening, you can find a good amount of spiciness in just about every dish.  (It turns out people generally tend to be a little less accustomed to spice on the east coast, so I have been working on Aaron's taste buds since we started dating!)  The first time I saw a jalepeno margarita on the menu, I knew it was a match made in heaven.  I have since dabbled in making my own and, I have to say, this recipe is my favorite over any I have had in restaurants!  The sweetness of the strawberry is the perfect juxtaposition for the spicy jalepeno tequila.  Mix these up this weekend and then keep the recipe handy for a fun twist on a Cinco de Mayo classic!  Here's what you'll need:

Spicy Strawberry Margaritas

(makes 2)

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbs. strawberry jam
• ⅓ c. Tanteo jalepeno tequila
• ½ c. simple syrup ( I totally cheated and did store-bought, but make your own by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over medium-low heat until sugar has dissolved.)
• ¼ c. lime juice
• ice
• jalepeno for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine jam, tequila, simple syrup, lime juice and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 20 seconds.

2. Strain into glass over fresh ice.  Add sliced jalepeno for garnish (optional)

Photography by Melissa Valladares

Napkins by West Elm

Cocktail Glasses from Bevmo

Round Ice Cube Molds from Williams-Sonoma