This is not my usual healthy recipe but once in a while I need a hard one. I mean a stiff one. Oh never mind. Maybe it’s the fact that it’s like a sauna in California from the 58,000 pools of water that blew into the atmosphere from the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption. So I’m enjoying summer with a margarita or two.

Not all tequilas are vegan but most are. I use Patrón since I like it and it just so happens to be vegan. Growing up, my dad and I would to sing, “Jose Cuervo you are a friend of mine.” I couldn’t find the commercial, but they do make great ads. And Cuervo tequila is vegan too. As far as the Grand Marnier, Barnivore says it’s vegan, but if I find out it’s not then I will update the recipe. You can also use Cointreau or Triple Sec in place of Grand Marnier which is probably more affordable and they seem less sugary to me.

The purpose of this recipe is to get as close to what I have experienced in San Diego restaurants in Old Town. Except they use an oversized margarita glass. The pink Himalayan salt is my addition. I’ve never seen anyone use it on a margarita glass and it’s delicious. I used Rick Bayless’ Classic Margarita recipe and made it my own.

VEGAN MARGARITA
Fine pink Himalayan crystal salt, Sunfood
1 lime for wedges
20-25 ice cubes
4 1/2 ounces lime juice, fresh-squeezed
1 1/2 ounces agave syrup
1 1/2 ounces orange liqueur, Grand Marnier
4 1/2 ounces silver Tequila, Patrón

Yield: Perfect serving for two, in my opinion

Directions:
Sprinkle about a tablespoon of pink Himalayan salt on a plate. Use a lime wedge to moisten the rim and then press the rim into salt. Add ice cubes to blender. Twenty five ice cubes works best to keep it slushy. For measuring, I use a shot glass that has the ounces written on one side. Add lime juice which may take 6-8 limes. Add agave, liqueur, and Tequila. Blend in blender.

When not in the mood for alcohol I love Gerolsteiner Sparkling water and/or Sanpellegrino Aranciata Rossa Sparkling water with blood orange juice. Gerolsteiner is my favorite and the best buy at Trader Joe’s. The water has bicarbonate in it that is good for pH balance and a good acid buffer. Sanpellegrino’s is currently vegan but I guess they weren’t before. I don’t like their water, but I discovered their carbonated juice. It does have added sugar which says stevia online, but not on the can. I don’t think I’ll buy this one again since I’m not clear on it being vegan. Others might like it if you need something nonalcoholic, but still tastes like you’re having something other than plane water or soda. ¡Salud!

Happy Vegan!

From blog of melissacrismon.com

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