Kumquat Ginger Margaritas

I made this cocktail for my friends last week and they said they would pay $20 for it at a restaurant, so I’d say it’s a winner! Kumquats are one of my all-time favorite fruits and when paired with ginger, lime juice, tequila and orange liquor it’s game over.

The best part about this recipe is that it makes enough kumquat ginger puree for multiple cocktails and I can fully attest that it’s delicious on toast, in yogurt, etc! Cheers!

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INGREDIENTS

Kumquat Ginger Puree (makes ~ 3/4 cup)

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 1/3 cup water

• 1 heaping cup kumquats, quartered

• 3/4 tsp grated ginger

• Pinch of kosher salt

Margaritas (makes 1 drink)

• 2 oz blanco tequila

• 2 oz lime juice

• 1/2 oz orange liquor (I like Cointreau or Grand Marnier)

• 2-3 tsp kumquat ginger puree*

• Ice

• Thinly sliced kumquats (for garnish)

• Salt for rimming glasses (optional)

METHOD

1. Make the kumquat ginger puree:

   1. Add the sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer the mixture until the sugar has dissolved, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   2. Add in the sliced kumquats, grated ginger and pinch of salt to the sugar mixture and allow to simmer over medium-low heat until the kumquats are softened and fragrant, 5-7 minutes.

   3. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth. Be careful when blending a hot liquid like this — I keep the nozzle open to let some steam out and rest my hand with a kitchen towel on the lid while blending.

   4. Transfer to a container to cool — this will keep in the fridge for weeks and is delicious spread on toast, mixed into yogurt…the list goes on! If you’re making margs right away, spread the mixture in a thin layer on a parchment-lined sheet tray or plate to cool quickly.

2. Make the margaritas. Add tequila, lime juice, orange liquor, kumquat ginger puree and a large handful of ice into a cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds, or until the sides of the shaker have become frosty.

3. Pour over ice in salt-rimmed glass and garnish with slices of kumquat. Enjoy!

NOTES

• I don’t like my drinks super sweet but if you like yours on the sweeter side, feel free to add an additional tsp of the kumquat ginger puree! Play around with the ratios and have fun with it!