Spicy Jalapeño + Ginger Margaritas
This week in the week of apartment living - we both got COVID. Not only did we both get COVID, but we started to watch our house be literally ripped apart, and a lot of situations just escalated.
It sounds kind of stupid, but I feel like I never really go to say goodbye to our old house. In my mind, there was still one more dinner to be had in there. One more peaceful walk through. One last family selfie in the living. Those fantasies were literally lit on fire when our contractors showed up on Monday & a mad dash to get the rest of our shit out ensued. End result - I’m not Peloton-ing in the garage next to my own, our house is officially gutted and we’re being told it will be fully torn down next week, and it’s just on the road to being fully scrapped. Very crazy. I am so so grateful, but wow - we officially do not have a house anymore. Jordan even said he wondered which one of us was going to have a meltdown first. Update - neither of us did so I think we’re dealing with the change pretty dang well. One quick freakout regarding cabinets that I’ll never bring up again is all that’s gotten us (me) so far, and I’m committing to keeping it up hill from here.
And then there’s the COVID business. I started feeling pretty ill - body aches in full swing - on Monday, and 100% tested positive for COVID. Jordan administered my at-home test, and the thing appeared with 2 solid lines real quick - making it crystal clear I have COVID. I was shocked - totally convinced I had a simplle cold but no - I have the modern day plague. And it sucks. I feel totally fine, but feeling trappeed at home and not wanting to get anyone else exposed is what sucks. But I have been feeling like a legit 9 out 10 (so pretty much back to normal), I’m still testing positive, and I’m just not letting anything get in the way of me + happy hour.
Margarita time (equipped with a new guacamole recipe) calls for Spicy Jalapeño + Ginger Margaritas. Legit spicy. Legit easy AF to make. And really hitting the spot for an end of week cocktail. I’m marking this one as easy to whip up on the fly, and a got to when you’ve got friends coming over last minute or you just need to fix yourself a cute little drink real quick.
The simplest
A simple cocktail for me means there is no simple syrup situation. This is as easy as fresh fruit, some fresh cucumber + jalapeño slices, and that’s about it. The base is truly just lime juice + tequila, so it’s potent. But it’s good!
Ginger beer for bubbles
The ginger beer floater gives it a bubble, effervescent vibe that’s delightful. And necessary to dial down the heat of the fresh jalapeños. The ginger kicks just adds a nice and refreshing flavor that goes well all the fresh lime + cucumber, and all in all it’s a perfect little drink.
Boozey baby
I mean if it’s not boozey, what is the point? At least that was the question I was asking myself after a week of COVID + home re-modeling. And I’m probably just in a season of strong drinks for the forseeable future. These drinks are sneaky strong.
The base is lime juice and a hefty dose of tequila + cointreau, so she’s a strong girl. The dose of honey (for sweetness) and heavy dose of fresh lime hides it well. My husband even asked if there was even any booze in his - the answer a resounding. Strong + boozey + light + yummy - it’s damn good.
A perfect drink to cap off a complex week, and one to revisit for sure!
For the margs (makes 2)
3 limes
1 tbsp honey
1/4 anejo tequila
1 tbsp cointreau
1 jalapeno, sliced
8 cucumber slices
Ginger beer
Fresh lime
Fresh mint or thyme for garnish
Start by getting your cocktail station set-up - you ned a cutting board, knife, juicer, & small carafe.
Juice the limes into your carafe. Add the tequila + cointreau, and the honey. Mix until the honey dissolves. Add in the fresh jalapeno + cucumber, and stir. Place the carafe in your fridge for at least 30 minutes (the longer you leave it in the fridge, the spicier the margs will be).
After the drink has chilled, pour it in a glass over ice - splitting between two glasses. Then top with the fresh cucumbers + jalapenos from the mix. Add a little sprig of mint to finish the drink.
