Recipes: JJ's Winning Margarita

JJ'S WINNING MARGARITA

Serves 1.

Note: Denver bartender J.J. Ahern won a cocktail contest in Mexico with this recipe.

• 11/2 oz. (3 tbsp.) Olmeca Altos Silver tequila

• 1/2 oz. (1 tbsp.) fresh lime juice

• 1 oz. (2 tbsp.) coconut water

• 1 oz. (2 tbsp.) cinnamon- infused tangerine juice

• 3/4 oz. (11/2 tbsp.) agave syrup (nectar)

• Cinnamon-sugar

• Sliced white peaches

• Peeled and sliced fresh ginger

Directions

FRESH STRAWBERRY BASIL MARGARITA

Serves 1.

Luis Galvez, chef at Denver's Blue Bonnet Cafe, and bar manager and mixologist John Duvernet collaborated on this recipe.

• 2 oz. fresh strawberries (about 1/2 c.)

• 1 oz. (2 tbsp.) Cointreau

• 2 oz. (1/4 c.) Sauza Hornitos Silver Tequila

• 3 torn fresh basil leaves

• 1 oz. (2 tbsp.) fresh lime juice

• Sliced lime, for garnish

• Fresh basil sprig, for garnish.

Soak hulled strawberries in Cointreau and agave syrup. In a blender, combine strawberries with tequila, torn basil leaves, lime juice and ice. Blend until smooth. Pour in glass; garnish.

ORANGE HABANERO MARGARITA

Serves 1.

Note: Luis Galvez and John Duvernet of the Blue Bonnet Cafe in Denver collaborated on this recipe.

• 1/4 peeled fresh orange

• 1/2 oz. (1 tbsp.) agave syrup (nectar), plus 1 drop, divided

• 2 oz. (1/4 c.) Sauza Tres Generaciones Reposado Tequila

• 1 oz. (2 tbsp.) fresh lime juice

• Splash Grand Marnier

• Fresh orange and lime slices

In a cocktail shaker, combine orange, chile and 1/2 ounce agave syrup. Muddle until mixed well.

Add tequila, lime juice and another drop of agave syrup. Add a splash of Grand Marnier. Shake vigorously. Pour over ice or blend and serve frozen. Garnish with fresh orange and fresh lime slices.

EL BRAZO

Serves 1.

Note: From El Camino Community Tavern.

• 3/4 oz. (11/2 tbsp.) lime juice

•3/4 oz. (11/2 tbsp.) agave syrup (also called nectar)

Directions