Pomegranate Margarita

If pomegranates and cranberries are only synonymous with the holidays I’m in big trouble. I’m still buying them and even more importantly still loving them. They are two of the things I look most forward to each winter; dare I say they might be the only reasons? 🙂

I recently made this Spinach, Pomegranate and Prosciutto Salad and it was so divine I want one everyday. I was encouraged that I’m not alone when I was served a house special ‘winter’ cocktail this past weekend with cranberries and sage (that I’m sharing next week) but also when I saw David Lebovitz post a recipe the other day that uses cranberry sauce in a glaze for meatballs. It felt so good knowing I am not alone!

It’s no big surprise that I love margaritas and making my own is what had me turn the corner years ago. I might even be a bit of a margarita snob…if being snobby is categorized by using quality products and fresh fruit for my libations. I learned long ago, and yes I am repeating myself here…use a decent reposado tequila, none of that really cheap stuff. I also don’t recommend using really expensive stuff either…somewhere in the middle is good; I like 1800 Reposado. Reasonably priced and slightly aged makes it my go to. Plus? Real orange liqueur. Cheap triple sec does not count. I like using Patron’s Citronge but have also used Grand Marnier and both are good. Just look at the label; it should include the essence of orange, not just sugar and artificial flavors. Start with those two and the rest is easy. Fresh fruit is a must but I won’t lie and I love using both lemon and lime and in a pinch I have used frozen lemonade and limeade in lieu of fresh fruit and simple syrup. In a pinch means a blizzard is raging and I want a margarita. Bad.

This is a gorgeous cocktail with a nice citrus bite and I can’t deny it certainly embodies the colors of holidays just past. I say that even as I look at a Christmas tree that is still standing; yikes…please don’t judge! But seriously don’t let that stop you. Let’s assume you are planning in advance for Valentine’s Day; that red is just beautiful isn’t it? Summer…that too; it’s truly a great year round drink!
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