Here at ITG we were playing the party game “Is it Five o’clock Somewhere?’ and we began thinking about Halloween. That inspired us to come up with this show stopping eye of new concoction: Smoking Blackberry Sage Margarita. After all, what’s more Halloween-y than a bubbling cauldron? Okay, so our cauldron is made of tequila and fresh fruit instead of a murky potion.
Before I say another word, my inner-liability lawyer is shouting “tell them about dry ice,” and so I will. Dry Ice is cool, it is a solid form of carbon dioxide and works at a much lower temperatures than regular ice, if you touch it, you will get frostbite, so, be a smart-girl and don’t touch dry ice with your hands or your tongue…use tongs or a potholder.
This smoky margarita can be adapted into so many different flavors. For so many reasons: don’t like how blackberries get stuck in your teeth? Substitute blueberries, strawberries or just use citrus. Don’t like Tequila? Substitute Gin. Don’t know how to make simple syrup (1 part sugar and 1 part water boiled, then cooled)? Substitute honey or agave. Don’t like sage leaves? Use basil or lemon thyme. Want the skinniest version imaginable? Use Tequila and Stevia.
The only thing you must not change is how to handle the dry ice. Don’t touch it and don’t drink it until it has evaporated. Cue the spooky music…
Blackberry Sage Margarita
- 2 ounces Tequila
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- dash of orange bitters
- 1 handful blackberries
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 5 leaves of sage
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In a cocktail shaker, muddle the sage leaves and a healthy handful of blackberries.
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Muddle a little bit more.
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Add the tequila, lemon juice, simple syrup, dash of orange bitters, and ice to the cocktail shaker.
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Shake, shake, shake.
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Pour into a rocks glass, garnish with a sage leaf, and enjoy!
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SPOOKY STEP: If you’re using dry ice, use tongs to take a small piece and drop it in the drink. Remember, don’t take a sip until the dry ice has stopped smoking.