Celebrating #NationalMargaritaDay with a Spicy Raspberry Margarita

Today is National Margarita Day…a day to celebrate one of the most popular cocktails on the planet. It truly is a versatile cocktail…you can enjoy it on the rock or frozen, and they come in a ton of fun flavor combinations. You can even rim the glass with salt or sugar, depending on your mood. Some people prefer that salty kick against the tart citrus flavor, but I must admit that I prefer a course sugar rim. To celebrate National Margarita Day, I’m taking part in a fun celebration hosted by my friend Heather at girlichef. I'm partnering with some of my favorite food bloggers today to share creative spins on margaritas…and margarita-flavored foods! 

My contribution to the fiesta features juicy red raspberries and a touch of spice It’s made with el Jimador Reposado tequila, which is made in Mexico and aged in American oak barrels. The flavor is smooth and mellow, making it perfect for my margarita. This Spicy Raspberry Margarita tastes like sweet raspberries at first…then a gentle warmth from a bit of Tabasco hits the back of your throat. I promise that the spice level isn’t overpowering…it just keeps things interesting! You’re going to want to whip up a blender of these berrylicious margaritas tonight for your National Margarita Day celebration…they pair perfectly with chips and salsa or any other Tex-Mex dish on the menu.

Spicy Raspberry Margarita 

adapted from el Jimador Tequila

Ingredients:

• 1.5 ounces el Jimador Reposado tequila (3 tbs.)
• ½ ounce  Chambord (raspberry liqueur) (1 tbs)
• ¾ ounce lime juice (2 tbs.)
• ½ ounce raspberry puree OR 8 whole raspberries
• 3 dashes Tabasco
• ½ ounce simple syrup (1 tbs) 

[NOTE: I used a bottled raspberry syrup, but you can make a small batch of simple syrup by combining ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water in a small bowl and microwaving for 1 minute. Stir to completely dissolve the sugar into the water and cool. This yields enough for several margaritas)

To rim the glasses: 1 cup sugar OR salt  and 2 tsp. chili powder

Directions:

Step 1: Place the sugar OR salt  and chili powder into a wide bowl. Stir to combine. Rub the rim of a margarita glass with cut lime, then place into the bowl. Rotate a circle, until the entire rim is coated. Set aside while you make the margarita.

Step 2: Place a scoop of crushed ice in a blender cup; add all liquid ingredients and raspberries. Add lid and blend on high setting until a smooth consistency is achieved  Pour into the rimmed margarita glass . Garnish with a lime wheel, if desired,  and enjoy!

This margarita is a really fun spin on a traditional margarita…it has tons of berry flavor from the fresh raspberries, liqueur, and raspberry syrup. Then, you’re hit with  gentle heat from the Tabasco. Feel free to add more Tabasco if you want a stronger kick of spice! Everyone who tried this margarita agreed that the el Jimador Reposado made the end result smooth and so easy to drink. Proceed with caution…this cocktail tastes sweet and mild, but it’ll sneak up on you! I hope you’ll whip up a batch of these margaritas today and add a bit of spice to your weekend I also hope you’ll check out all of the other great margaritas and margarita-inspired foods that are being shared by my talented friends today! No matter what you’re in the mood for, we’ve got you covered

Margaritas:

• Blackberry Margarita from Cooking for My Peace of Mind
• Chili Lime Margarita from Curious Cuisiniere
• Margaritas Gone Wild from Delaware Girl Eats 
• Mixed Berry Margarita from Kudos Kitchen By Renee 
• Mom's Wicked Margarita from Desserts Required 
• Pomegranate Margarita from Daily Dish Recipes 
• Spicy Raspberry Frozen Margarita from  
• Tamarind Margaritas from girlichef 
• The Great Grapefruit Margarita from La Cocina de Leslie  
• Tim G's Margarita from Sidewalk Shoes 

Margarita Bites:

• Margarita Cheesecake Bars from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks 
• Margarita Cupcakes from The Foodie Army Wife  
• Margarita Donuts from Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen 
• Margarita Mousse from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Margarita Shrimp from That Skinny Chick Can Bake 
• Margarita Shrimp Tacos from Supper for a Steal 
• Strawberry Margarita Sweet Rolls from The Dutch Baker's Daughter 
• Top Shelf (Margarita) Truffles from Culinary Adventures with Camilla 

Disclosure: I received a sample of el Jimador Reposado tequila to facilitate this feature. I received no further compensation...other than a fabulous margarita to enjoy!

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