Jalapeno-Cilantro Tequila and Tonic

I’ve been talking (or, writing) about Thanksgiving a lot lately. In all honesty, who hasn’t? For foodies (and thankful people) like myself, Thanksgiving is one major holiday.

But in my family, we don’t just appreciate the food and the company – we also really appreciate the cocktails. After all, what’s a festive celebration without some libations?

I probably won’t be making this particular cocktail on Thanksgiving – mainly because I don’t trust myself (or anyone in my family for that matter) to pick-up my 6-month-old niece after drinking tequila. 

How cute is she?

We’ll stick with the wine and beer this year. But if you won’t have tiny children at your Thanksgiving table, I highly suggest giving this cocktail a try. I call it a Jalapeno-Cilantro Tequila and Tonic. I made this cocktail for one, but just simply double the recipe to make two. 

Jalapeno-Cilantro Tequila and Tonic
Yields: 1 cocktail
-1 cup sugar
-1 cup water
-1 cup fresh cilantro
-2 ounces Tanteo Jalapeno Tequila (or, your favorite spicy tequila)
-Juice of ½ a lime
-Ice cubes
-Tonic water
-Extra cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

Directions: 
1.) In a saucepan, bring sugar and water to a slow boil while continuously stirring until all sugar has dissolved. Add the fresh cilantro just as the water and sugar mixture begins to boil. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 7-10 minutes. Let cool, then strain into a container (i.e. Tupperware). Discard cilantro leaves.
2.) Pour 1 ounce of the strained simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. Add tequila, lime juice and ice cubes; shake gently.
3.) Fill a glass (I used a pint glass) with ice; pour in tequila mixture. Top with tonic water, and garnish with cilantro leaves.

This is one refreshing cocktail – with a wonderful kick of spice in every sip.

For the remaining cilantro simple syrup, just simply store it in a Tupperware container in the fridge. It can last up to a month.

Also, thanks to everyone who participated in my Nasoya giveaway! I chose a winner using Random.org.

Congrats to Wen – she is the winner! 

“I like my tofu simple. The simplest way is to steam it awhile then topped with chopped garlic and soy sauce.”

Wen, please email me within 48 hours to claim your prize.

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