Hi, friends! I’m super excited because it’s Margarita of the Month day here on the Spot! Just in case there was any doubt as to my excitement level I think the overuse of exclamation points in those first two sentences conveys my mood. :) I’ll do my best to curtail that from here on out.
Are you curious about this month’s flavor? I can assure you that it has been strictly scrutinized and duly tested (it’s a tough job, but …). For this month, I present to you the vanilla almond margarita, a sweeter-than-usual but oh so yummy cocktail that gives January the boost it needs to live up to the warm and fuzzy month that is December.
Made with vanilla bean-infused simple syrup, you’ll first pick up the smooth, rich notes of vanilla, followed by a bit of tang from Amaretto and the teensiest drop of almond extract. Of course, being the tequila enthusiasts we are, we made sure that this recipe allows the distinctive tequila flavor to stand tall in this drink. Make no mistake; despite the name, this is no sissy margarita. Rather, it’s a winter-inspired drink that will pair well with your favorite spicy dish.
If you’re looking for a little Mexican-inspired dish to serve this with, you’ll want to head over to Yellow Bliss Road where–today–I’m sharing an indulgent double decker black bean quesadilla recipe. What, you didn’t think quesadillas could be indulgent? I submit as Exhibit A the following photographic evidence:
See there. Indulgent. I hate to say I told you so, but, I told you so. I think this month’s margarita recipe would be the perfect accompaniment. Here’s the recipe for you.
Vanilla almond margarita
Ingredients
For the simple syrup:
- 2 vanilla beans
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
For the margarita:
- 2 oz vanilla simple syrup
- 2 oz freshly-squeezed lime juice
- 2 2/3 oz tequila
- 1 oz almond liqueur
- 1/4 oz orange liqueur
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Tiny drop almond extract (optional)
Instructions
To make the vanilla simply syrup, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Split two vanilla beans and scrape the caviar into the simple syrup mixture. Toss the scraped vanilla bean pods in as well. Bring the mixture to a low boil and then reduce heat and allow the syrup to simmer for about fifteen minutes. Set aside to cool completely. It's best if you let the mixture infuse for about an hour.
To make the margarita:
- Combine simple syrup, lime juice, tequila, almond liqueur, orange liqueur, and extracts (if using) in a mason jar and shake to combine. Pour over ice into your margarita glasses of choice. Cheers!
Already we’re cooking up ideas for the February margarita of the month. It’s a doozie; you won’t want to miss it! Until then, bottoms up, my friends!
You might also be interested in my Mini Mexican Meatloaves
or my Horchata Margaritas
