Cherry Margarita

Margaritas are a perfect way to enjoy seasonal fruity flavors with friends and family, with a bit of tequila floating all around, surrounded by chatting, giggles and light banter! Cherries have started appearing in the markets, and the sweet, sour and tart taste of Cherries perfectly compliments the lime juice and Tequila liqueur called for in this red & refreshing Cherry Margarita. Feel free to skip the liquor altogether and use some cranberry juice and POM juice instead for a Cherry Mocktail – either way, its a great way to enjoy the Summer Cherries!

Refreshing Cherry Margarita
recipe adapted from Finecooking; photo by Scott Phillips

Ingredients
Makes one serving

12 fresh sweet cherries, pitted
1-1/4 fl. oz. (2-1/2 Tbs.) tequila
1 fl. oz. (2 Tbs.) fresh lime juice
3/4 fl. oz. (1-1/2 Tbs.) agave nectar, preferably dark
1/2 fl. oz. (1 Tbs.) maraschino liqueur (or POM liqueur)
1 fresh sweet cherry with stem, for garnish

Method
Put the cherries in a cocktail shaker and mash them with a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon until well crushed, about 1 minute. If you find this hard to do, just throw them in the blender and CHOP until almost mashed. Add the tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, maraschino liqueur, and 8 large ice cubes. Cover the shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Immediately strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with the cherry.

Notes:
# To make it non-alcoholic, just skip the tequila, and replace with some cranberry juice and POM juice

# You can rim the glasses with either sea salt or vanilla sugar for a contrasting taste

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