I enjoy a margarita every once in a while. However, I have certain preferences for this drink. Actually, I have preferences for all drinks. I am not a fan of the high syrup/sweetness and minimal alcohol content of the drinks served at many chain restaurant. Not that I am seeking potent drinks, but I prefer not having a glass of corn syrup with a hint of flavoring.
Having been inspired by some of the bartenders at local restaurants we enjoy, I have come to realize that much like cooking, ingredients are an important part of a good drink. So, when my mother-in-law told me that she wanted to try a coconut and lime margarita recipe, I asked her to share the ingredient list with me. One of the main ingredients in her suggested drink was cream of coconut.
As I am not a fan of a heavy drink, the words “cream of coconut” gave me the shivers. Once I saw the nutrition label on the package, I knew it was not an option for my drink. With almost 250 calories in 2 ounces of this thick liquid, it seemed obscene. However, the idea of coconut and lime mingling with some tequila was intriguing. Being a diligent researcher, I created a couple different recipes until I found one with the correct balance of sweet, sour, and tequila.
Served over ice in a glass with a salted rim, this drink could fill all of your salt and sweet cravings.
Put the Lime & the Coconut in the Margarita
2 oz. gold tequila
1 oz. triple sec
1/2 – 1 tsp. sugar
2 oz. lime juice + 3 additional oz.
4 oz. coconut rum
lemon-lime seltzer
ice
kosher salt
Fill a martini shaker with ice. Add tequila, triple sec, sugar, 2 oz. lime juice, and coconut rum, and shake well. Pour 3 oz. lime juice in a small rimmed plate and kosher salt in another small rimmed plate. Dip the rim of a margarita glass in lime juice, and swirl to coat well. Then dip the rim in kosher salt, and press firmly to allow the salt to adhere. Repeat with second glass. Fill each glass with ice, and pour half of tequila mixture into each. Fill to rim with seltzer, and stir gently.
Tags: coconut rum, lime juice, seltzer, sugar, tequila, triple sec
