These Mint Margaritas = NEED.

I’m in countdown to Derby mode here at THB and I Can. Not. Wait. I have my dresses, I have my hats (and a fascinator) and if it’s a little bit like the Indy 500 was a few years ago – my resolve. I’ve got my crew of two lined up (D and Mom) and I’m ready to go!

In preparation for THE Kentucky event, which also happens to be on Cinco de Mayo (Cinco de Derby?) , I’ve come up with a cocktail that celebrates both. Here’s my recipe for mint margaritas.

Taking a little bit from the Derby’s signature cocktail (the mint julep) and a little bit from Cinco’s (the margarita), I’ve got a combo that is going to become a sure standby as we slowly *(too slowly…)* tiptoe our way into summer.

Now, I’m not a cocktail gal (which is why you don’t see many of them on here). I can get behind a mojito and I do love a margarita, but when it comes down to it, I’m a beer and wine girl to the core. But, I think what I’ve done here drink-wise will please any that love a cool glass of sumpin-sumpin on a hot summer day. And since I’m not too keen on the bourbon, I’m quite content to imbibe in some good tequila instead. Here’s what we’ve got:

mint simple syrup

lime juice

ice

tequila

salt for the rim

give it a stir, a sip and adjust as needed.

Now that I’ve got my summer drink, I just need to outfit my porch.

Mint Margaritas

May 2, 2018

Servings: 1

Prep: 3 hr

Cook: 5 min

Total: 3 hr

Difficulty: Easy

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The perfect drink for when Cinco de Mayo meets Derby Day, these Mint Margaritas can scaled to any party!

By: Chrissy

Ingredients

For the simple syrup:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 handful/bunch fresh mint
For the rest:
2 ounces tequila
2 ounces fresh lime juice
2 cups crushed ice
salt for the rim
mint to garnish

Directions

Step 1 In medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together water and sugar until sugar dissolves. Increase heat slightly, then simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from the heat and add mint leaves, and let steep 15 minutes. Strain, then refrigerate syrup until cold, about 3 hours.
Step 2 To a highball/cocktail glass with the rim salted (optional), add 1 cup crushed ice. Add 2 ounces of the tequila, 2 ounces of lime juice and 1 1/2 ounces of the mint simple syrup. Fill the glass the rest of the way with ice (or, if you choose, sparking water). Give it a stir and serve!