Strawberry Margaritas

Photo: flickr user (nutmeg)

Ingredients

This vibrant strawberry margarita will similarly tantalize your guests: The

1 cup frozen or fresh ripe strawberries

3 ounces premium silver tequila, or strawberry-infused tequila

ounce fresh lime juice (4 ½ teaspoons)

ounce Grand Marnier liqueur (1 tablespoon)

ounce Cointreau liqueur (1 tablespoon)

ounce or more simple syrup (1 tablespoon, optional, see note)

Small handful ice

Preparation

Garnishes: Sparkling sugar crystals to frost rims; a plump strawberry for each glass, and/or twists of orange peel, flower blossoms

Blend strawberries, tequila, lime juice, Grand Marnier, Cointreau and simple syrup with ice in a blender until thick and slushy. Add more lime juice or syrup as needed. Pour into chilled glasses, garnish and serve immediately.

Note: To make simple syrup, dissolve 2 cups granulated sugar in 1 cup water for 5 minutes in a small heavy saucepan. Bring the mixture to a slow boil; reduce the heat and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring gently. Let cool; pour into a glass bottle. Keep refrigerated. -