Baja California, we’ve got a thing for you and this Charred JalapeƱo And Carrot Margarita Cocktail Recipe makes it all the more so.
Like a doodle-your-name on my binder and list you for MASH-type of thing. Call it a crush but I know it’s more than that. I mean, we’ve hung out a fair amount and made some good memories.
Like that time I had total beginners luck and caught a marlin on the Sea of Cortez within 1 hour of setting sail (only to get so seasick we had to promptly turnaround and end the day)? Or that time I headed to that private beach on the other side of that estuary at sunrise all in the name of surfing? Or that time I off roaded on dusty roads for 45 minutes all in the name of a meal and then came across the farm-to-table oasis that is Flora Farms?
That’s where I first came across the idea of a Carrot Margarita: like a pressed juice gone rogue and totally worth every bit of effort. And therefore the Charred JalapeƱo And Carrot Margarita Cocktail Recipe was born, the secret to this cocktail is layer upon layer of flavor: first you make a cilantro simple syrup that steeps until it has a subtle flavor. Meanwhile, you concoct a charred jalapeƱo tequila. (You could actually make both this and simple syrup well ahead of time so all you have to do when you want a drink is to shake it up.)
Speaking of which, when you’re ready to drink, you grab everything else you’ll need ā carrot juice, orange juice, salt, lime, and ice. Then you measure, mix, shake, and strain, and you’re rewarded with this beauty with which you can toast Baja and all its greatness.
Go stock up on all your cooking essentials, then head into the kitchen, make this, and share it with us by tagging @saltandwind and #swsociety on social!
Charred JalapeƱo And Carrot Margarita Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For The Cilantro Simple Syrup:Ā
- 1 cup unrefined cane sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro (about 1/2 ounce)
For The JalapeƱo Tequila:Ā
- 1 cup 100% agave silver tequila
- 1 medium jalapeƱo
For The Margarita Cocktail:Ā
- 3 ounces fresh carrot juice
- 1 1/2 ounces jalapeƱo-infused tequila
- 1 ounce orange juice
- 1/2 ounce Cointreau
- 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 ounce cilantro syrup
- ice
- salt
- limes for garnish
Instructions
- For The Cilantro Simple Syrup:Ā Bring the water and sugar to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar then remove from heat. Add the cilantro and let steep until the syrup tastes like cilantro, at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours. Once the syrup is a flavorful as you'd like, strain it through a fine mesh sieve and discard the cilantro. Meanwhile, make the jalapeƱo tequila.TIP: The strained simple syrup can be made up to two weeks ahead of time. Store refrigerated in an airtight container until ready to use.
- For The JalapeƱo Tequila:Ā First broil or grill the jalapeƱos until charred and soft, about 5 minutes. Set aside until cool enough to handle then cut off the stem and chop the remaining jalapeƱo. If you want it less spicy, don't include the seeds or white ribs in the jalapeƱo.Let the jalapeƱo soak in the tequila for at least 1 hour. Depending on the heat level you like, you can either leave the jalapeƱo in the tequila or strain it off and discard it.Ā TIP: The strained infused tequila can be made up to one month ahead of time. Store at room temperature in an airtight container until ready to use.
- For The Margarita Cocktail:Ā Combine the carrot juice, tequila, orange juice, Cointreau, lime juice, and cilantro syrup in a cocktail shaker and fill halfway with ice. Close and shake until thoroughly chilled, about 15 to 20 shakes. Strain into a rocks glass filled halfway with fresh ice, add a pinch of salt (if using), garnish with a lime, and serve.
