Cranberry-Chipotle Margarita

INGREDIENTS

  • For the Cranberry-Chipotle Syrup (enough for at least a dozen drinks)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 canned chipotles en adobo, stems removed
  • The zest (colored part only) of 1/2 orange
  • For each drink:
  • Kosher salt (or salt buzzed in a spice grinder with a little orange peel) and lime for rimming the glass
  • 1 1/2 ounces mezcal (or tequila, if you prefer)
  • 1/2 ounce clear orange liqueur (like Combier or Cointreau)
  • 1 ounce Cranberry-Chipotle Syrup
  • 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice

INSTRUCTIONS

Make the syrup.  In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, water and sugar.  Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium heat until all cranberries have burst open.  In a blender, combine the chiles, orange zest and cranberry mixture.  Cover loosely and blend until very smooth.  Strain into a bowl or small pitcher and refrigerate until cold.

Make the cocktail.  Rub the rim of a 5-ounce cocktail glass with a lime wedge, then upend the glass in the salt spread on a small plate.  Fill a shaker about ½ full with ice cubes, then measure in the mezcal (or tequila), the orange liqueur, Cranberry-Chipotle Syrup and lime juice.  Secure the top and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.  Strain into the prepared glass and enjoy!