Embrace National Margarita Day!

February 22nd is national Margarita Day. The Margarita which is frequently ordered at Latin Restaurants and served at most bachelorette parties, is rated America's most popular cocktail. The drink itself was named after the 1940's Mexican socialite Margarita, who experimentally created the first margarita. The traditional recipe calls for tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice; now has as many variations as a woman's stiletto.

A couple of such variations:


Aphrodisiac Margarita

INGREDIENTS
PEPPERY SALT
2 tablespoons freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons of kosher salt
COCKTAIL
1 lime wedge
8 ounces blanco tequila
5 ounces passion fruit puree or nectar
4 ounces fresh lime juice
2 1/2 ounces pomegranate juice
2 ounces fresh blood orange juice
2 ounces Simple Syrup
4 cups ice

DIRECTIONS
MAKE THE PEPPER SALT: Combine the salt and pepper in a bowl.
MAKE THE COCKTAIL: Moisten half of the outer rim of 6 chilled coupes or martini glasses with the lime wedge and coat lightly with the peppery salt. In a blender, combine the tequila, passion fruit puree, lime juice, pomegranate juice, blood orange juice, Simple Syrup and ice and blend until smooth. Pour the margarita into the glasses.


Blackberry-Mint Margarita

INGREDIENTS
8 blackberries, 2 skewered on a pick
Ice
10 mint leaves
11/2 ounces reposado tequila
1 ounce fresh lime juice
1 ounce Simple Syrup

DIRECTIONS
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 6 of the berries. Add ice, the mint, tequila, lime juice and Simple Syrup; shake well. Pour into a rocks glass; top with the 2 berries.


Pineapple-Chile Margarita

INGREDIENTS

8 (3/4- to 1-inch) chunks peeled pineapple
4 slices red jalapeño chile with seeds
1/2 cup 100% blue agave silver tequila
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons Simple Syrup
2 tablespoons Cointreau or other orange liqueur
2 cups ice cubes, divided

DIRECTIONS

1.Place pineapple chunks and red jalapeño slices in medium bowl. Press firmly on solids with muddler or back of wooden spoon until mashed.
2.Mix in tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup , and Cointreau, then 1 cup ice. Stir to blend well. Strain into large glass measuring cup.
3.Divide remaining ice between 2 tall glasses. Pour Margarita mixture over.
4.Garnish with pineapple