Call off the search parties – I’m here.  I know it’s been a bit since my last post.  I’ve been basking in the Summer sun working on material.  Seriously.  We have been entertaining up a storm this Summer and I’ve been loving every minute.  Coincidentally the weather has been outstanding, which means we have been doing lots of pool parties and campfires.

Every good pool party needs some refreshing cocktails.  While I love a good fruity drink, I hate the heartburn and the amount of genetically modified high fructose corn syrup in the premixes.  I needed a substitute.  So, I’ve been like a chemist in the kitchen trying to concoct the perfect margarita recipe that does not require a premade mix.  Here is what I came up with:

• 2 parts Tequila
• 2 parts Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
• 1/2 – 1 part (depending on preference) Agave Nectar or Honey
• Fresh Fruit – Optional
• Ice
• Shaker or blender

The agave nectar or honey is my high fructose corn syrup replacement.  I did a little research and found agave nectar comes in many different forms.  Some forms make it a better replacement for high fructose corn syrup and others go through a similar process making it just as unhealthy as what we are trying to replace.  While my reference to being a chemist is somewhat deceiving as the closest I get to understanding chemistry is mixing cocktails, but it basically boils down to the less processed the better.  Honey is definitely a more natural replacement, but after a number of test batches, I found I like the taste of agave a little better.  To each their own.

Fruit is an optional add.  I love fresh fruit, so I always have it on hand and love the sweet taste and pop of color that it adds.  Favorite fruits for me are strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or blackberries.  You can really use anything.  We have a mulberry tree in our front yard, so I’ve even thrown in some fresh mulberries.  If you know in advance that you are making margaritas you can marinate the fresh fruit in a little honey to soften it up and bring out some of the flavors.  For this batch I cut up some strawberries and added a spoonful of honey.  I then covered, shook and let sit in the refrigerator overnight.

On the Rocks

• Fill shaker halfway with ice
• Add 2 parts tequila – I prefer clear tequila, but again this is up to your preference
• 2 parts fresh squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 to 1 part agave nectar or honey
• Add fresh fruit to taste – optional
• Shake vigorously and serve over ice

Blended

• 2 parts tequila
• 2 parts fresh squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 to 1 part agave nectar or honey
• Fresh fruit to taste – optional
• Pour all ingredients into the blender and then add ice.  I generally add a cup of ice per serving.

Tip:  I like to add the ingredients first and then ice last.  By putting the ingredients at the bottom, it puts them closest to the blades and mixes it up through the ice.  I’ve made batches where the ice when in first, and I found the top of the batch was full of flavor and the bottom was a little ice heavy.

Final step is to enjoy!  For a touch of fancy you can garnish the glass with a strawberry, lime or a blueberry skewer.

If anyone has any additional insights on agave nectar, I’d love to hear!