Flagarita - A Cocktail for the 4th of July

It’s that time of year again – 4^th of July!  A day we pay tribute to our brave military forces for protecting us and fighting for our freedom.  A day when we also spend time with family and friends enjoying BBQs, swimming, and of course fireworks. 

Last year I featured a Patriotic Punch cocktail to help you celebrate the day.  This year I went for another super easy cocktail you can make in no time.  This is a simple margarita recipe that swaps out the Triple Sec for Blue Curaçao still giving you that yummy orange flavor that makes a margarita perfect while at the same time coloring it blue to help celebrate our country.  Note that I didn’t add any sort of simple syrup to it – I kind of liked the tartness of the drink without it.  Play around with the recipe though – make it so that it pleases your palate!

Flagarita
Makes 1 Cocktail

1 part freshly squeezed lime juice
1 part Blue Curaçao
1 part Silver Tequila (I used Tequila Jose Cuervo Especial Silver)
Crushed Ice
Salt (optional)

Put your glass in the freezer before you begin making the Flagaritas.  If you haven’t done this and you are short on time, you can add crushed ice to your glass and fill with water to chill while you mix your drink.

Fill your cocktail shaker about 2/3 full with crushed ice.  Add the lime juice, Blue Curaçao, and Silver Tequila.   Shake!  Get your glass ready (dump out ice water if you did that) and rim with salt, if desired.  Remove the entire top of the cocktail shaker and fill glass with drink and crushed ice. 

Enjoy – and Happy 4^th of July!

Beergaritas

This year for Cinco de Mayo I wanted to focus on a couple of cocktails....no Mexican food on the blog this year for the big event...definitely next year!  Along with the Michelada I posted, this pitcher of Beergaritas had to make the blog as well.

A super easy drink to make and a crowd pleaser!  After serving to the hubby and a couple of close friends, I saw happy faces all around.  Give these a try and please leave me feedback as to what you think.  Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Beergaritas
Makes 1 pitcher

12 oz frozen lime concentrate
36 oz Corona Light Beer
6 oz silver Tequila
2 oz Grand Marnier
Juice of 2 limes (plus additional lime for garnish)
Ice
Course salt
Lime and orange slices for garnish

In a large pitcher, add the frozen lime concentrate and slowly add the 3 beers.  Stir until combined.  Next, add the Tequila, Grand Marnier, and juice from 2 limes.   Stir again.

Cut the third lime into slices for your garnish and cut part of the lime into a wedge.  Take your lime wedge and run it around the rim of your glasses.  Dip the rims of your glasses into a plate of course salt to coat. 

Fill each glass with lots of ice, pour Beergarita into glass, garnish, and serve.

Christmas Cranberry Margaritas

I made these last December when the hubby and I hosted Couples Euchre in our home.  At the time, I was just starting to take photos to add to this blog (that wasn't live yet) so it's not very creative on my part and pretty much a copy of what I found on Pinterest!

Not only is this gem of a cocktail a tasty (and strong) one, but it is also so pretty and festive!   The blogger who original posted this recipe is Ezra Pound Cake and you can find the original recipe here.  She adopted it from Rebecca Rather's The Pastry Queen Christmas cookbook.

The cute candy cane cocktail stirrer is part of a set of 6 - all different colors - from Neiman Marcus. I received the boxed set as a hostess gift many years ago at one of our holiday parties.  I love them - they are perfect for the Christmas season and over the years, we have enjoyed using the whistle to signal the need for another drink! 

Give this one a try this holiday season and let me know what you think!  Cheers!

Cranberry Margaritas
Serves 4
Recipe from Ezra Pound Cake

Lime wedges
Sugar
Ice cubes (for shaking and serving)
1/2 cup cranberry juice or cranberry juice cocktail
1/2 cup silver or other 100% agave tequila
1/4 cup orange liqueur (Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, Citronage)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
Garnishes:  thinly sliced limes and fresh cranberries

Run a lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip the edge in sugar to coat.  Fill the glasses with ice and set aside.

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all the ingredients and shake. 

Strain into ice filled glasses and serve.