#Italian margarita how to

You may know the flavor from the popular amaretto cookies, a popular Italian sweet. It has such a distinctive flavor, once you’ve had it once: you’ll remember it forever. It tastes both sweet and bitter (amaretto means in Italian “little bitter”). Today it’s made around the world and is stocked in bars worldwide. You can definitely taste the difference! What is amaretto?Īmaretto is an almond liqueur that originates from Italy. It has a more nuanced flavor, with notes of oak and vanilla.Įither way, try to find a mid-price range tequila when you make an Italian margarita.

Tequila reposado (“rested” in Spanish) is aged longer, from 2 to 12 months.

Tequila blanco (or “new” tequila) has been aged less than 2 months and has a strong, straightforward flavor.

Here’s what to know about the best tequila for margaritas But we prefer the robust flavor of tequila reposado. Many people suggest using tequila blanco for margaritas.

You can also find bottled blood orange juice at many grocery stores.Ĭheater tip: If you like the look but can’t find blood oranges, a tiny drizzle of pomegranate juice or cranberry juice would work too! What’s the best tequila to use? If you can find them, they’re absolutely worth buying. We love this spin on because it’s so eye-catching, just like our blood orange margarita. But want a brilliant color? Use a blood orange! Blood oranges have very sweet juice and a hot pink color. Of course, you can use orange juice from a standard navel orange and this Italian margarita turns out with a warm orange color. Use blood orange juice for the brilliant color! Think of it as a sophisticated version of a margarita, kind of like the Cadillac Margarita! Here’s what’s in an Italian margarita: The flavor has notes of almond and citrus on the finish, but the beginning of the sip tastes like your favorite margarita. What’s an Italian margarita?Īn Italian margarita is a variation on a classic margarita that uses amaretto in place of the orange liqueur ( Cointreau), in combination with orange juice, lime juice, and tequila.

#Italian margarita how to

Alex and I are big fans of traveling in Italy ( Rome, Naples, Tellaro, and the Amalfi Coast are faves): so of course we had to try the Italian margarita! Here’s how to make it. Want a simple makeover for your margarita? Try this Italian margarita recipe! Just like our Mexican Pizza, this drink is a fusion of the best of Italian and Mexican cuisines: but this time in cocktail form! This Mediterranean version of the classic cocktail swaps out orange liqueur for amaretto, and the almond essence adds a distinctly Italian vibe. All rights reserved.This Italian margarita recipe uses amaretto to give this classic cocktail a makeover! Blood orange juice gives it an eye-catching vibrant color. It may differ from what was originally published or broadcast.Ĭopyright 2020 Television Food Network, G.P.

This recipe has been updated to more accurately recognize its origin or to add cultural context. Meyer lemons are also an excellent option, when in season.

If organic lemons are not available for the Homemade Limoncello, scrub the lemons in warm water to remove any wax. Store in an airtight bottle in the freezer for up to 6 months. Makes about 3 cups. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, whisking occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 3 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.Ĭombine 3/4 cup of the simple syrup (or more, if desired) with the infused vodka. If making your own simple syrup, combine the sugar with 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Discard the zest (or dehydrate it and add to the salt for rimming the Spicy Italian Margarita). You may need to line the sieve with a coffee filter to catch all of the zest. Strain the infused vodka through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl. Set aside in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks. Add the vodka, seal and shake to combine. Transfer the zest to a jar or other airtight container. Zest just the yellow portion of the lemon peels with a rasp grater, avoiding any of the bitter white pith. Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds.ĭip the rim of a rocks glass in a small splash of limoncello on a plate. Coat the rim with salt. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the limoncello, tequila and chile paste, if using.