Jalapeño Cranberry Margarita Recipe – Advanced Mixology

Directions

To make the Homemade Cranberry Juice:

1. Bring water and cranberries to a boil in a large saucepan.

2. Reduce to a simmer, add spices, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes.

3. Strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer, then put aside the mashed cranberry or save it for another use.

4. Return the mixture to the saucepan over low heat and stir in the sugar and lime juice.

5. Pour into a heat-resistant bowl or pitcher and place in the refrigerator to cool completely before using.

To make the Jalapeño Simple Syrup:

1. Bring water and sugar to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the sliced jalapenos.

2. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 10 minutes or until the syrup has thickened.
3. Pour the mixture into a heat-resistant bowl or mason jar (strain the peppers out if you want to keep the spiciness level down).
4. Place the bowl or jar in the refrigerator to cool completely before using.

To make the Jalapeño Cranberry Margarita:

1. Brush the rim of the glass with lime juice or simple syrup if desired; however, the simple syrup may be a bit spicy, so only use it if you enjoy spiciness.

2. Place upside-down on a small plate of coarse salt or sugar to coat the rim.

3. Fill the glass halfway with ice.

4. Combine cranberry juice, tequila, simple syrup, and lime juice in a shaker with ice.

5. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish the glass with cranberries and jalapeno slices.