Strawberry Margarita

A strawberry margarita is the perfect, refreshing spring and summer drink. Our journey along the Margarita Trail took us to the heart of the Altaplanicie Mexicana, and first stop was Maximo Bistro. We enjoyed our first delicious strawberry margarita there and settled in for dinner. Made with fresh syrup and excellent mezcal, we learned there is more than one way to “pelar un gato”. Yes, there are many wonderful and different margaritas.

Tequila or Mezcal?

Tequila is the popular spirit of choice in the United States. It’s made from a single variety of agave and baked in ovens that preserve a clean crisp flavor. The finished product from young clear silver to aged golden expressions earned their place as a major spirit classification. Mezcal however, is a well-kept, but growing secret outside Mexico and the southwestern U.S.. The Oaxacan spirit is made from multiple varieties of agave and baked in underground pits that impart a smokier, more nuanced aroma and flavor. It is very popular in Mexico and it’s used in many delicious margaritas. Tequila and mezcal can be used interchangeably in any recipe because the choice is yours!

A Word about Margaret

Margaret who? Legends claim the margarita is named after actress Peggy (Margaret) Lee or a Dallas socialite, but it’s more than just a woman’s name. A traditional one is made with tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice. It’s served in a specially shaped cocktail glass with a salt covered rim and garnished with a slice of lime. Like most cocktails, its invention is hotly debated, but most agree it was in the late nineteen thirties. Since then, mixologists have experimented with everything imaginable, creating a rainbow of flavor.

And just one more thing…

Taste the rainbow on The Margarita Trail with me this summer! Print