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Happy Hour: Watermelon Margarita

partysugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:00:43 -0700

If you haven't used watermelon to make a cool cocktail (or icy popsicle!), I highly recommend you do so soon. Summer is the perfect time for watermelon cocktails because the melons are insanely ripe and deliciously sweet.

While you could use a margarita mix, it doesn't take that long to puree fresh melon in a blender. I prefer my margaritas on the rocks, but if you like yours smooth, feel free to blitz all of the ingredients to make a frozen cocktail.

This was a refreshingly divine cocktail, so get the recipe now and read more.

Watermelon Margarita
From Emeril Lagasse

Ingredients

1 teaspoon lime zest
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons coarse salt
1 lime wedge
1 cup watermelon puree*
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/2 cup premium 100 percent agave tequila
2 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier or triple sec)
1 cup ice

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine the lime zest, water, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat. Cool to room temperature and strain out the zest. Can be made in advance; keep in a covered container in the refrigerator.
Chill a margarita glass in the freezer for 30 minutes. Place the coarse salt in a shallow dish or saucer. Wet the rim of the glass with a lime wedge and dip the glass into the salt, coating the top edge.**
In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 tablespoons of the cooled lime syrup with the watermelon puree, lime juice, tequila, orange-flavored liqueur, and ice. Shake until frothy and well chilled, at least 1 minute. Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

Makes 2 drinks.

*To make the watermelon puree, remove seeds from fresh watermelon and cut into large chunks. Place in a blender and process until smooth and well pureed.

**I skipped this step and opted not to salt the rim of my margarita glass.

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Happy Hour: Jell-O Shots Three Ways

YumSugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:13:39 -0800

I seriously thought I'd make it out of my 20s without ever having made Jell-O shots. However, sometimes a party calls for a little extra fun.

Last week I was pulled aside and asked if I could make 60 Jell-O shots by the next day. Being YumSugar, I said sure thing, no problem; it wasn't until later that I went into panic mode. Jell-O shots? Seriously? How do I make them? What's the correct ratio? What do I serve them in? After a few minutes on Google, the panic went away, and soon I had several unpredictable flavors and a clever serving tip. So I bought my supplies, spent an hour in the kitchen, and the next day there were Jell-O shots in three flavors: margarita, classic cherry, and spiked tropical punch.

If you've always wanted to try Jell-O shots, get my recipes and tips on how to serve when you read more

First of all, if you can, find cups that are half the size of the ones pictured. Look for something like the little cups you get salsa in at taquerias or ketchup in at some fast food places. Most party supply places will have these in stock. Unfortunately, by the time I was able to get my supplies, none of these places were open. In a pinch Dixie Cups work very well. You may want to spray the insides with a quick coating of Pam or some other oil spray. This is so the shots will come out easily. I didn't like the way it sounded so I skipped that step; however, I think it would have helped.

If you'd rather serve your shots as orange slices, simply omit the cups and pour the Jell-O mixture into cleaned out orange halves. To prepare, slice orange in half horizontally, use a grapefruit spoon to remove the contents, and pour Jell-O mixture in as if it were a bowl. Slice with a sharp knife just prior to serving.

Spiked Punch Jell-O Shots

6 oz package of Tropical Fusion Jell-O
16 oz boiling water
8 oz rum
1 oz peach schnapps
7 oz cold water

Empty Jell-O packet into a large bowl or container.
Add boiling water to bowl. Whisk together until fully dissolved. About 3 minutes.
Add rum, peach schnapps, and cold water. Whisk together.
Spoon or pour into prepared cups.
Refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.

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Margarita Jell-O Shots

6 oz package of Lime Jell-O
Two cups (16 oz) boiling water
6 oz tequila
2 oz triple sec
1 oz lime juice
1 oz cold water

Empty Jell-O packet into a large bowl or container
Add boiling water to bowl. Whisk together until fully dissolved. About 3 minutes.
Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice and cold water. Whisk together.
Spoon or pour into prepared cups.
Refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.

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Classic Jell-O Shots
6 oz package of Jell-O (any flavor, although cranberry could then be called a "cosmo")
16 oz boiling water
8 oz cold water
8 oz vodka

Empty Jell-O packet into a large bowl or container.
Add boiling water to bowl. Whisk together until fully dissolved. About 3 minutes.
Add vodka and cold water. Whisk together. [Note: you can add more alcohol if desired; make sure the total is 16 oz (two cups) of liquid. The more alcohol you add, the harder it is for it to set. You may not want to exceed 12 oz vodka and 4 oz cold water.]
Spoon or pour into prepared cups.
Refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.

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Happy Hour: Cranberry Margarita

partysugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:00:46 -0800

While I'm a fan of the classic margarita, during November, I like to enjoy its Thanksgiving-themed cousin, the cranberry margarita. It's surprising how much the addition of cranberry juice changes the flavor of the tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice cocktail. It's festive and familiar, but potent with a rich autumnal hue. Instead of craving tortilla chips and guacamole, I found myself wanting something elegant and savory. Thus, I paired the cran marg with a warm crab dip. Shake and serve straight up, or pour over ice, like I did. To check out the recipe, which is perfect for a party, read more.

Cranberry Margarita
From Bobby Flay

Ingredients

2 cups tequila
1 1/3 cups cranberry juice
1 cup orange-flavored liqueur (triple sec of Cointreau)
2/3 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice

Directions

Combine the tequila, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice in a large pitcher. Shake over ice.
Strain into margarita glasses or low cocktail flutes. Alternately, strain into low tumblers filled with ice.

Serves 10.

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Do you have an amazing Thanksgiving recipe? Please participate in our Thanksgiving recipe challenge. All you have to do is upload your recipe, an image, and a brief description to the Kitchen Goddess group. If you're lucky, we might just feature your recipe here on YumSugar!

Off to Market Recap: Margarita Glasses

partysugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 06:50:21 -0700

Cinco de Mayo is manana and I plan on celebrating by whipping up a batch of margaritas for my girlfriends. However, the only margarita glasses I own are oversized and more suited for serving dips than sipping tequila. That's why I asked you to help me by searching the Internet for margarita glasses. You looked for festive glasses that I can use through Spring into Summer. You bookmarked your discoveries in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Margarita Glasses. How fabulous are these two-toned glasses? The tropical colors bring to mind the Mexican coast at sunset!

Thank you Bengalspice for finding these delightful dishwasher-safe glasses. For more glasses, browse the collection below.

Geeksugar has put together an article that explains how to bookmark on TeamSugar. Check it out for more details!

Off to Market: Margarita Glasses

partysugar — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 06:50:52 -0700

Cinco de Mayo is around the corner and I plan on celebrating by whipping up a batch of margaritas for my girlfriends. However, the only margarita glasses I own are oversized and more suited for serving dips than sipping tequila. You know what that means: it's time to head off to market in search of margarita glasses. Look for festive glasses that I can use through Spring into Summer. Bookmark your discoveries in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Margarita Glasses. I appreciate your searching skills!

To learn how the bookmarking feature functions, please refer to geeksugar's explanation.

To get you started, check out a list of my favorite online stores and read more

Bed Bath & Beyond
CB2
Cooking.com
Crate & Barrel
Ikea
Linens and Things
NapaStyle
Pier 1
Plum Party
Pottery Barn
Sur La Table
Target
Restoration Hardware
Williams Sonoma
Wishing Fish
World Market

Happy Hour: Jalapeño Margarita

partysugar — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:00:15 -0800

Since my mom's favorite drink is the margarita, I'm always looking for new recipes to experiment with. While the classic combination of tequila, orange liquor, and lime juice is delicious, it's exciting to try different variations. When I saw this recipe for a "margarita with a twist" in the new Food Network magazine, I knew it would be perfect for Super Bowl Sunday. Watch out though: It packs a spicy punch! The ingredient that provides the twist (and the heat) is jalapeño. For a brighter green color, use white tequila instead of the gold. I prefer my margs on the rocks, but if you enjoy them blended, by all means, blend it! To look at this refreshing recipe, read more.

Jalapeno Margarita
From Food Network Magazine

Ingredients

1 thin slice of jalapeno
handful of celery leaves
6 ounces lime juice
1 teaspoon confectioners' sugar
16 ounces tequila
8 ounces orange liqueur
ice, lime wedges

Directions

Pulse jalapeno, celery leaves, fresh lime juice, and sugar in a blender. Mix with tequila and orange liqueur in a pitcher; chill.
Serve on the rocks in salt-rimmed glasses with lime wedges.

Serves 8-10.

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Happy Hour: Pineapple Orange Margarita

partysugar — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:18:31 -0700

As I stare out the window at the foggy, summer-in-San Francisco sky, it's hard for me to write about margaritas. Although, a pineapple orange margarita might just be the thing I need to bring a little sun into my life! In this twist on the classic lemon-lime margarita, pineapple juice and orange juice - make sure you use fresh squeezed it will taste better - are the shining flavors. Whether it's 100 degrees out or 60, this cocktail is sure to get your Friday off to the right start! To shake it up this afternoon, read more

Pineapple Orange Margarita
From The Bar
Image Sources

1.5 oz. tequila
2 oz. lime juice
1 oz. pineapple juice
1 oz. orange juice
1 tbsp. sugar
1 wedge orange

Fill a glass halfway with ice.

Add tequila, lime juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, and sugar.
Stir well. Garnish with orange wedge.

Serves 1.

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Happy Hour: Pink Lemonade Margarita

partysugar — Tue, 08 May 2007 12:31:32 -0700

So yesterday Yum shared a recipe for a non-alcoholic pink lemonade stating that When the heat gets up there (and I know, some people enjoy this weather, but not me) I really need something that can quench my thirst. The some people she is talking about here is me! I love this weather and nothing beats sipping a cold margarita on a hot day - close your eyes and you can be instantly transported to Mexico. Luckily reader, fairy_MK recently shared her recipe for a pink lemonade margarita over in the Let's Have A Drink group on TeamSugar. According to MK even the macho beer drinking men were downing these margaritas! Thanks MK for the awesome recipe! To take a look, read more

I made these last year during the summer. They were such a hit, even the normal beer drinking 'macho men' liked them.

Pink Lemonade Margarita - 5 servings 1 cup each
Original recipe from Kraft Foods.

Ingredients:
1 tub CRYSTAL LIGHT Pink Lemonade Flavor Low Calorie Soft Drink Mix
1-1/2 cups cold water
1/2 cup cold orange juice
2 Tbsp. tequila
1 Tbsp. lime juice
5 cups crushed ice

PLACE drink mix, water, orange juice, tequila and lime juice in blender container; cover.

BLEND on high speed until drink mix is dissolved.

ADD ice; cover. Blend on high speed until thickened and smooth. Serve immediately.

* This can be made without the tequila for those who enjoy their drinks without spirits.

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Uno, Dos, Tres, Y Margarita!

partysugar — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 12:43:12 -0800

So far we've had a pretty varied week: Monday was President's Day, Tuesday was National Pancake Day, yesterday was Ash Wednesday, and the day you've all been waiting for is finally here: today, Thursday February 22, is National Margarita Day!!!! I know both my mom and geeksugar (big time margarita drinkers) will be ecstatically celebrating this afternoon once happy hour arrives. Since it's almost the weekend, I say we follow their lead and stir/blend ourselves up some good old margs! You can make the classic Ultimate Margarita or a variation such as a Blood Orange Margarita, raspberry margarita, and never to be overlooked, for non-drinkers or pregnant gals, Mild-Eyed Margaritas. For the raspberry recipe, read more

Raspberry Margarita
From AZ Central

2 ounces tequila
1 ounce Triple Sec
2 ounces raspberry puree (using fresh or frozen raspberries puree in a processor and push through a fine mesh sieve)
4 ounces homemade margarita mix (2 parts fresh lime juice, 1 part fresh lemon juice, sugar to taste)

Mix all ingredients with ice in a blender until smooth.
Alternately stir all of the ingredients in a glass and pour into glass filled with ice.
Serve both the blended and the on the rocks versions in a margarita glass.

Serves 1.

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Drunken Desserts: Watermelon Margarita Popsicles

YumSugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:15:12 -0700

The news about the effects of watermelon inspired me to create my newest popsicle: watermelon margarita! Served with a small bowl of margarita salt, these uberfrozen margs were tangy and delicious. Beware, the popsicles contain liquor and melt rather quickly. To avoid a melty mess, I froze my platter for an hour before serving. Learn how to make these simple, scrumptious popsicles when you read more!

Watermelon Margarita Popsicles
Original Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups watermelon puree (roughly 1/4 medium size seedless watermelon)
1/4 cup lime juice (roughly 1 large lime)
3 ounces tequila
1 ounce cointreau
2/3 cup sugar

Directions

Chop the watermelon into small pieces. Using a Cuisinart, puree the watermelon. Place the puree in a large mixing bowl.

Add lime juice and sugar to watermelon puree. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Add tequila and cointreau and stir well.

Fill popsicle molds or Dixie cups. If using a dixie cup, cut small squares of tinfoil to cover the top of each of the cups.

Use a sharp small knife and cut small slits in the tops of the tinfoil to insert the popsicle stick.

Place the Dixie cups in a flat bottomed container. Place the popsicles in the freezer and wait patiently until frozen.

Makes 10 3-ounce popsicles.

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