Garden Margarita

Servings: 1  Cocktail

INGREDIENTS

  • Coarse (kosher) salt or Herb Salt
  • 1 lime wedge
  • 2 sprigs of cilantro or other herbs you like (mint, basil, lemon verbena are all delicious)
  • 1 1/2 ounces 100% blue agave blanco tequila
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1 ounce Cointreau or other brandy-based orange liqueur
  • 1/2 ounce agave syrup (light organic syrup gives the best flavor) or honey
  • 6 to 10 small ice cubes (about ¾ cup)
  • Herb Salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Spread the salt on a small plate, moisten the rim of a 6-ounce glass with the lime wedge, and upend the glass onto the salt to crust the rim.

In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, muddle the sprigs of fresh herbs with a cocktail muddler or a wooden spoon until roughly mashed. Add the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, agave syrup and ice. Cover and shake vigorously until frothy and cold; tiny ice crystals will appear in the drink after about 15 seconds of shaking.  Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass and serve immediately.