Summer time

Summertime is fast approaching and so are the parties!!! Anyone having a party wants their guests to have a great time and maybe even impress them a bit. Feeding your guests is always a great idea, personally, you can’t go wrong with BBQs!!! However, we are all about drinks and cocktails here so let’s get the top summer time drinks and make them easy and simple and sure to impress everyone at your event

Simple back yard BBQ

You can’t go wrong with a Margarita!!! The question isn’t so much what to make, as this is a household drink, but which mix to buy? Do I buy the pre-made stuff? Is it easy to make Margarita’s from scratch? While it is SUPER simple to make a margarita from scratch, we also need to consider convenience. Do you want to enjoy your time with your friends and just pouring drinks from a pitcher or do you want to be stuck in the kitchen squeezing lime’s and making simple syrup?? I hve  few favorite pre made mixes that i like to combine and make the perfect SIMPLE AND EASY Margarita mix that you and all your friends will LOVE!!!

First- SALT

You MUST have a great salt for your Margarita. I LOVE Stirrings Margarita Salt, its got a sweetness as well as saltiness and a touch of lime for a great enhancing flavor on even the best of Margarita’s. You can find Stirrings at most convenient stores that carry Liquor, or you can order here https://www.stirrings.com/real-products/rimmer-cocktail-garnishes

ICE-

I prefer  a good Margarita on the rocks, but if you prefer frozen, use medium size ice, and the recipe will be slightly different which I will list. For on the rocks Margarita’s, use nice big cubes, small ice will melt faster and water down your amazing margarita!!

Tequila-

Cuervo is a household name, everyone has tried it, everyone knows it, but there are so many new Tequilas in the market and the bar has been raised ten fold!!

For a more distinct taste of Tequila, try Cazadoras. This is a VERY bold Tequila and very strong. It makes a great Margarita but personally, I consider Cazadoras more of a man’s Tequila, maybe its the big Buck on the label…

For a sweet, light, crisp tequilla, you can’t go wrong with Cabo Wabo or Corzo, Smooth in taste, and both are GREAT mixer Tequilas, a little more in cost, but you’ll pay less for it in the morning!!  There are tons of different Tequilas, these are just a couple of my favorites, you can also use, Patron, 1800, Nightshade, Sauza, the list is endless!

Triple Sec

Most people don’t realize that Triple sec is basically an Orange Liqueur, and is available in all types of brands. Dekuyper is a popular choice, but if going with a higher end tequila such as Patron, Cabo Wabo or Corzo, i’d match it up with Grand Marnier,  little more bold in taste than the lighter choices of Triple Sec but definitely a great choice to add to an amazing Margarita!

Margarita mix

You may notice a TON of Margarita Mixes in liquor isle of your favorite grocer, however, which one is the best?? What I have found is mixing several types of mixes, truly makes the best Margarita Mix.

4 parts Sauza Lime Margarita mix (non alcoholic)

2 parts Mrs. T’s Sweet and Sour

1/2 part Orange juice (for  kick use Sunny d)

This mixture is quite simple and makes a Delicious Margarita. Make in a Large Gallon Jug and shake very well before serving.

Pour tequilla and triple sec to taste, you really don’t want a distinct Tequila taste, A true Mixologist makes a cocktail without the heavy liquor taste.

For frozen, make sure you have a powerful Blender. The goal is to blend it together well, without beating the ice and watering down the drink. When filling your blender, start with the ice, pour the listed ingredients over ice, til ice is no longer visible. Blend on low for 30 seconds, and then on high for 10. Pour into a salted rimmed glass and Enjoy!!!