Limoncello gives this margarita a refreshing pop of citrus flavor and is also used to rim the glass for a salty edge! Of course, the chile paste is totally optional, but adds a lovely warmth to every sip.
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 15 min |
| Active: | 15 min |
| Yield: | 1 serving |
Ingredients
- 3 ounces chilled limoncello or Homemade Limoncello (recipe follows), plus more for rimming the glass
- 2 ounces gold tequila
- 1/2 teaspoon Calabrian chile paste or jalapeno paste, optional
- Kosher salt, for rimming the glass
- 1 ounce unsweetened lime seltzer, such as lime Spindrift
- 4 organic lemons, thoroughly washed and dried (see Cook’s Note)
- 2 cups 80-proof vodka, such as Tito’s
- 3/4 cup sugar or 3/4 cup store-bought simple syrup plus more, if desired
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the limoncello, tequila and chile paste, if using. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Dip the rim of a rocks glass in a small splash of limoncello on a plate. Coat the rim with salt. Fill the glass with ice. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. Top with the seltzer and serve.
- Zest just the yellow portion of the lemon peels with a rasp grater, avoiding any of the bitter white pith. You should have about 1/4 cup zest. Transfer the zest to a jar or other airtight container. Add the vodka, seal and shake to combine. Set aside in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks.
- Strain the infused vodka through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl. You may need to line the sieve with a coffee filter to catch all of the zest. Discard the zest (or dehydrate it and add to the salt for rimming the Spicy Italian Margarita).
- If making your own simple syrup, combine the sugar with 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, whisking occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
- Combine 3/4 cup of the simple syrup (or more, if desired) with the infused vodka. Store in an airtight bottle in the freezer for up to 6 months. Makes about 3 cups.
Reviews
Left off the spice as my friend doesn’t care for it, but we both thought it was delicious! Easy to drink too many on a hot day though…
Absolutely fantastic. Definitely adjust the spice level if your sensitive to spice, but the combo of the heat and the citrus makes this a big winner.
Here I am, confessing again my love for Limoncello and all of these fantastic recipes. Limoncello is just perfect for the summertime!!!