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Lemongrass Margarita

lemongrass margarita in a glass with cilantro and ice in it surrounded by lime slices and salt.
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With a hint of lemongrass, ginger and cilantro, these refreshingly tart and lightly sweetened lemongrass margaritas are a fun change up from classic margaritas. They're perfect with either Thai or Mexican food!

Ingredients

Scale

For the lemongrass simple syrup

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 (about 6 inch) stalk lemongrass
  • 4-5 slices fresh ginger

For margaritas (makes 2)

  • 2 fresh cilantro sprigs
  • 3 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
  • 3 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 1/2 oz Cointreau
  • 1 to 1 1/2 oz lemongrass simle syrup
  • Ice
  • For rims: 2 tp kosher salt, 2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp grated ginger, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. To make the simple syrup, bruise the lemongrass by smushing it with a large knife. Cut the stalk down the center lengthwise. Add the sugar, water, lemongrass and ginger to a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Turn off the heat, cover the pan and let the syrup cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Strain into a jar and store in the refrigerator.
  2. On a small plate, mix equal parts kosher salt and sugar with grated ginger. Rub lime wedge around the rims of glasses and dip in salt mixture. Fill glasses with ice and set aside.
  3. Add cilantro to the bottom of a shaker and muddle to release the oils. Add tequila, lime juice, Cointreau, lemongrass simple syrup and a handful of ice to the shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into glasses. 

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of simple syrup to suit your taste. I like a less sweet margarita, so I use about 1/2 oz per drink.
  • Lemongrass can be found with the fresh herbs at your grocery store.
  • If you don't like cilantro, you can use fresh basil (try Thai basil if you have it!) or just leave it out.
  • The lemongrass simple syrup can be made up to 2 days in advance. It tends to lose flavor as it sits, so it won't last much longer than that.

Keywords: lemongrass margarita, lemongrass ginger margarita

Find it online: https://livelytable.com/lemongrass-cilantro-margaritas/