Welcome summer with open arms and a glass of this incredibly refreshing, sweet, and tart Cherry Margarita! It’s the quintessential cocktail to celebrate the vibrant flavors of cherry season.
This post is brought to you by our friends at Powell & Mahoney Craft Cocktail Mixers. As always, all opinions and the pure enjoyment of these delicious cocktails are 100% my own. Your support for the brands that help keep The Beach House Kitchen thriving is greatly appreciated.
Sip into Summer: The Ultimate Cherry Margarita Recipe
Happy Thirsty Thursday, fellow cocktail enthusiasts! As promised, today we’re unveiling a truly delightful libation designed to perfectly complement the fabulous Cheddar Pub Cheese with Everything Pita Chips we shared on Monday. You know me, I’m a woman of my word, and this drink delivers!
Before the fleeting joy of cherry season comes to an end, let’s raise a glass and toast to summer with this exquisitely sweet and tart Cherry Margarita. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of seasonal bounty and sun-drenched days.
Embracing Cherry Season: A Culinary Journey
Every trip to the market during this time of year brings a joyful bounty of cherries – here a cherry, there a cherry, everywhere a cherry! This summer, my kitchen has been bustling with cherry-infused creations. From my beloved Cherry Vanilla Scones to the delightful Lemon Poppyseed Pancakes with Cherry Compote, and the comforting Easy Cherry Pear Baked Oatmeal, cherries have taken center stage. And now, thanks to the incredible quality and convenience of my favorite craft cocktail mixer company, Powell & Mahoney, we present the pièce de résistance for your happy hour: this spectacular Cherry Margarita!
Why the Cherry Margarita is Your New Summer Obsession
There’s something inherently festive about a well-made margarita, and when infused with the natural sweetness and vibrant acidity of fresh cherries, it transforms into an unparalleled summer experience. This isn’t just another cocktail; it’s a sensory delight, bursting with color, flavor, and a hint of sunshine in every sip. Imagine unwinding after a long day, or hosting a lively garden party, with these ruby-red beauties in hand. The unique balance of sweet cherry notes against the tangy lime and robust tequila creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Powell & Mahoney truly elevates the margarita-making experience, making it both incredibly easy and exceptionally tasty. Their premium Margarita Mix lays the perfect foundation, allowing the fresh cherry flavors to shine without needing a complicated array of ingredients. You’ll only need a handful of ripe cherries, some silver tequila, a squeeze of fresh lime, and their expertly crafted mixer to whip up these stunning drinks. In mere minutes, you’ll be kicking back with one of these beauties, toasting with friends, and savoring the simple joys of summer. It’s the perfect blend of homemade goodness and effortless sophistication.
Crafting Your Perfect Cherry Margarita: Tips & Tricks
Achieving margarita perfection is all about technique and fresh ingredients. For the best flavor, opt for plump, dark, sweet cherries, as their natural sugars will balance the tartness of the lime beautifully. Don’t skip the muddling step; it’s crucial for extracting all that wonderful cherry essence. A good muddle ensures every sip is infused with genuine fruit flavor, not just a hint. When it comes to the tequila, a high-quality silver (blanco) tequila is ideal, offering a clean base that allows the other ingredients to sing. And remember, freshly squeezed lime juice makes all the difference – bottled juice simply doesn’t compare in terms of brightness and zest.
The salt rim is a classic margarita touch for a reason. It enhances the sweet and sour notes of the drink and adds a pleasant textural contrast. For an extra touch of elegance, consider a sugar-salt blend on the rim, or even a cherry-sugar blend for an intensified flavor profile. Whether you prefer your margarita on the rocks or blended, the core ingredients remain the same, guaranteeing a consistently delicious outcome.
Serving Suggestions for Your Cherry Margarita
While this Cherry Margarita is a star on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of snacks and meals. Imagine it alongside spicy Mexican dishes, grilled chicken or fish, or even a fresh summer salad. For appetizers, our previously mentioned Cheddar Pub Cheese with Everything Pita Chips is a match made in heaven. The rich, savory notes of the cheese offer a delightful contrast to the margarita’s fruity brightness. You could also serve it with a vibrant fruit platter, a light bruschetta, or some homemade guacamole and tortilla chips. The versatility of this cocktail makes it suitable for almost any casual gathering or special occasion where refreshment is key.
Cherry Margarita
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Ingredients
- 1-2 Tbsp. coarse salt
- 1/4 cup about 10-12 pitted cherries
- Sprinkle of granulated sugar
- 2 oz. silver tequila
- 2 oz. Powell & Mahoney Margarita Mix
- Squeeze of fresh lime juice
- 1 cup ice
- one stemmed cherry and one slice of fresh lime, for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Place coarse salt on a small, flat plate. Take a lime wedge and rub it around the rim of your chosen glass to moisten thoroughly. Dip the moistened rim into the salt, ensuring an even coating. Set the glass aside.
- In a sturdy cocktail shaker, add the pitted cherries and a light sprinkle of granulated sugar. Using a muddler, gently but firmly crush the cherries until they are well broken down and their juices are released. Add the silver tequila, the Powell & Mahoney Margarita Mix, a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice, and about a cup of ice to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for approximately 20 seconds, allowing all the flavors to meld and the drink to chill thoroughly. Strain the mixture over fresh ice into your prepared salt-rimmed glass. For a beautiful finish, garnish with a stemmed cherry and a fresh slice of lime.
Nutrition
There you have it – your new go-to summer cocktail. This Cherry Margarita is not just a drink; it’s an invitation to relax, unwind, and celebrate the sweet moments of life, especially during the peak of cherry season. So grab your shaker, gather your ingredients, and let the good times roll. Cheers!