Strawberry Margarita

As early summer’s heat bears down and we begin to enjoy backyard gatherings again, ice drinks are a welcome treat. This Margarita/daiquiri mix offers a refreshing and delicious way to use the season’s juicy strawberries. Although the recipe works well with tequila, I think rum mixes better with the fruit’s flavor.

Coating the edge of the glass with sugar not only adds sweetness but also makes the drink prettier. Vanilla sugar, found in the baking section of the grocery store and online, is simply sugar mixed with ground vanilla bean. The coarser the vanilla bean, the more intense the flavor.

I like that the frosty drink can be made without alcohol, so everyone can enjoy it. It’s always important to remember that when partying outside in the heat, alcohol doesn’t equal hydration. Drink plenty of water.

Ingredients

8 ounces of Margarita mixer

3 ounces Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum

Six fresh, ripe strawberries, chopped

4 cups ice

Splash of strawberry daiquiri mix

Vanilla sugar for the glass rim

Directions

1. In your blender’s pitcher, add Margarita mix, rum, strawberries, and ice.

2. Pulse until the ice is reduced to slush. The smaller the chunks of ice you start with, the easier it is on your blender.

3. Add a splash of the strawberry daiquiri mix. This adds color and heightens the strawberry flavor.

4. Place the blender in the freezer until the drink reaches the desired slushiness.

5. When ready to serve, pour a small amount of vanilla sugar into a bowl and dip the rim of a clean cocktail glass into the top of the Margarita. Coat the rim with the vanilla sugar.

6. Garnish with a fresh strawberry or a decorative cocktail umbrella.