Southern Ginger Mint Margaritas

The spicy, peppery flavors of ginger and refreshing mint leaves are muddled into freshly squeezed lime juice plus the fabulous spirits of tequila and Cointreau. Serve over ice in a beautiful cocktail glass with a thin slice of lime tucked inside, rimmed with sugar. Pour up this delightful twist on the classic margarita - relaxation is served!

Course Drinks

Servings 2 cocktails

Equipment

cocktail shaker
Small saucepan for the simple syrup

Ingredients

For the margaritas:
2 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger
10 fresh mint leaves
3 tablespoons simple syrup
¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice, about 2 limes, plus extra for rimming glasses
½ cup good tequila
¼ cup Cointreau or Cointreau Noir
1 cup ice for shaking plus more for serving
rimming sugar
Thinly sliced limes and mint leaves for garnish
To make simple syrup:
2 cups water
3 cups sugar

Instructions

To make the margaritas:
Prep 2 cocktail glasses by running the top of the glasses in lime juice then into rimming sugar. Carefully fill with ice and slide a slice of lime against the inside of the glass.
Toss the ginger and the mint into the bottom of a tall shaker and muddle them together until the leaves and ginger are crushed.
Add the simple syrup, lime juice, tequila and the Cointreau then top with 1 cup of ice.
Put the lid tightly on the shaker and mix by shaking vigorously until the margaritas are very cold.
Pour the margaritas through the strainer of the shaker into the glasses and top with a mint leaf if desired.
To make simple syrup:
Pour the water into a small saucepan, stir in the sugar. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved. Keep refrigerated.

Notes

You can keep a batch of simple syrup in the refrigerator - it's perfect to have on hand for cocktails or sweet tea!