Summertime has arrived!

While we still have a few weeks until the calendar officially says so, I’d like to unofficially kick-off & welcome the summer by sharing my favorite, quintessential, refreshing summertime treat: the supremely spicy margarita.

If you know one thing about me, I hope it’s that you know I love jalapenos, habaneros, and just about anything spicy.  So if you + spicy stuff disagree, then read no further; but if you like a chili-kick in your beverage, then either visit the mecca of delicious spicy drinks, barrio chino, or follow this deliciously inspired recipe to make your best imitation (thank you, Guanabee for sharing the recipe!):

Ingredients

100 mls Habanero-infused tequila (recipe below)
250 mls ruby grapefruit juice
2 tbsp simple syrup (recipe below)
ice cubes
extra grapefruit juice and sugar for rimming the glasses

Habanero-Infused Tequila

1 bottle silver tequila
3 habanero or scotch bonnet chilies

Simple Syrup

water and sugar (equal quantities)

Instructions

To make the infused tequila, cut the chilies into quarters and push them into the tequila bottle. Screw the lid on tightly and shake the bottle well so that the peppers float within the bottle. Place the bottle somewhere dark and leave to infuse for 2 to 3 days or until it has a strong, spicy flavour. You can either leave the chilies in the bottle to further intensify the flavour or else remove them.

Make the simple syrup by placing equal quantities of water and sugar in a small pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat and simmer the mixture for another few minutes or until it is thickened slightly. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool, then decant into a pouring jug and place in the fridge. Simple syrup can be stored in the fridge indefinitely.

Dip the rims of 4 margarita glasses in grapefruit juice and then in sugar. Fill each glass with ice.

Place the tequila and grapefruit juice in a cocktail shaker. Add 2 tbsp of the simple syrup to each glass and shake well to mix. Taste and add more of the simple syrup if desired.

Pour the mixture into the rimmed glasses and serve immediately.

* Indulge, enjoy, and repeat.

~ lauren