Spicy citrus margarita

Serves 2.

These are so refreshing you could serve them for breakfast - with or without tequila, depending on the occasion! Shichimi is a Japanese seven-spice mix made with orange peel, the perfect accompaniment to this citrus-spiked cocktail. If you can’t find it at your local Asian grocer, regular chilli powder will do the trick.

Gather —

Jalapeño syrup

1 jalapeño
1/2 cup light agave syrup
1/2 cup water

3 oranges
3 limes
1 tbsp flaky sea salt
1 tsp Shichimi (or chilli powder)
60 ml tequila
2 cups ice

 

Make —

  1. Slice jalapeño lengthways and add to a small saucepan with agave and water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool. 
  2. In a cocktail shaker, or a jar with a lid, squeeze in the juice of oranges and limes. Add 60 ml of cooled jalapeño syrup and ice. Shake. 
  3. Prepare glasses by sprinkling sea salt and Shichimi onto a small plate, stir to combine. Swipe the rim of two glass tumblers with a cut lime, and turn face-down onto plate with chilli salt. Fill 2/3 of the glass with ice. 

To serve, strain spicy margarita mix into o prepared glasses. Top with a slice of fresh lime.

 
Recipe by Zoe Cuthbertson, Undressed Byron Bay.