Margarita Mayhem

Cinco de Mayo is the best. I mean it’s basically a holiday that has been hijacked by margaritas and guacamole, and, with all due respect to Mexico’s victory in The Battle of Puebla, I think we’re all ok with that. Because well…margaritas.

I love theme parties and recently I was able to put my own spin on a bunch of pitcher-style margaritas for a group of friends at my camp. And in turn, I ate my weight in guac and chips. It was a win-win.

When entertaining for a group of people, even if it’s a small group like we had, making a batch of cocktails is key. What’s better than a cocktail? An entire pitcher full of cocktails! People can help themselves and you are not a slave to the shaker. Don’t muddle your life away, people! You can still create quality cocktails in a pitcher. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. If I had my way I’d make a barrel full, then I’d have nothing but free time on my hands for the rest of the party.

Doing the math.

When bars and restaurants pour on the sugar to make the frozen kind, the calories add up fast in the glass.

When pitting a typical frozen margarita vs. one the rocks the frozen one loses in most categories to me. The calorie load is unreal, my tongue is frozen after two so what’s the point and if you drink it too fast you will be struck dumb with an excruciating ice cream style headache.A regular frozen margarita is around 12 ounces and weighs in at 410 calories with 56% coming from sugar. What in the actual hell? This lighter version is 130 calories for a 6-ounce portion with just 14% coming from sugar. Can anyone say waist line friendly?

My fave Margarita: (well one of them anyway)

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce premium tequila (I love Cabo Wabo)

• 1/2 ounce Cointreau or other orange-flavored liqueur

• 1.5 ounces fresh-squeezed lime juice

Instructions:

1. Shake with 3/4 cup ice; garnish with lime.

2. Yup, that’s it. Easy peasy and leaves way more time for socializing with all your crazy fellow tequila lovers.

Here’s a fun watermelon margarita for those of you that want something a bit sweeter and fruitier. Because of the sweetness of the watermelon this margarita doesn't need much sugar, so one glass has only 105 calories. A bit of fresh lime juice adds a welcome tanginess. For a special touch, rim your glasses with sugar and garnish with lime wedges and watermelon balls.

Watermelon Margaritas

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons sugar

• 1 lime wedge

• 3 1/2 cups cubed seeded watermelon

• 1/2 cup tequila

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

• 1 tablespoon Triple Sec (orange-flavored liqueur)

• Lime wedges or watermelon balls (optional

Instructions:

1. Place 2 teaspoons sugar in a saucer. Rub the rims of 6 glasses with 1 lime wedge; spin rim of each glass in sugar to coat. Set prepared glasses aside.

2. Combine watermelon and next 4 ingredients (through Triple Sec) in a blender; process until smooth. Fill each prepared glass with 1/2 cup crushed ice. Add 1/2 cup margarita to each glass. Garnish with lime wedges or melon balls

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