Coctail Corner: Blackberry Margaritas

Every good meal with friends should include a before dinner drink.  Not only is it fun and welcoming, but it gives the cook a chance to finish up on a couple items while the guests chat with each other.  I’m continuing with the recipes from my  Menu Planning blog.  The below is an alcoholic drink but because not everyone that came drinks, I modified it so that it could be both non-alcoholic and spiked.

Blackberry Margarita –found originally in Cooking Light, June 2011

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 12 ounces fresh blackberries
• 1 cup gold tequila

Combine the water and sugar in a microwave-safe glass measuring cup.  Microwave at high for 2/12 minutes, stirring to dissolve sugar.  Set aside to cool.

Combine syrup, orange juice, lime juice and blackberries in a blender.  Process until smooth.  Strain mixture through a cheesecloth-lined sieve over a pitcher; discard solids.  Split mixture based on how many are drinking.  In one, add tequila and stir till mixed well.  (Decrease the 1 cup measurement if splitting the mixture in half and adjust based on preferences).  Serve over ice.  Garnish with lime wedges.

**Modification:  If desiring to make the entire batch alcoholic, substitute Grand Marnier or Triple Sec for the orange juice.  Add the tequila during the blender process.