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Desperate Thymes: Blackberry-Thyme Margaritas

Well, technically not a margarita, since our cocktail lacks an orange liquor. But, we are on track with the tequila! Really as one would assume with most cocktails (except for those that come in a can labeled 4Loko), the key to its success is the quality of the liquor. Specifically for tequila, this means 100% agave. If you see the word "mixto" anywhere on the bottle, put back on shelf and quickly walk away. There are plenty of affordable 100% agave tequilas out there, especially if you find a good sale at the liquor store. But it's key you don't skimp on this one for a multitude of semi-obvious reasons. 

First off, high quality 100% agave tequila actually tastes pretty great on its own. So put all that diet coke back in the fridge. Secondly it won't give you a hangover, while actually providing health benefits like better digestion. Best news of all, supposedly  tequila has the most naturally stimulative properties of all alcohols. I'll chose not to provide a source for this fun fact and let you "responsibly" test its truth on your own. 

Since we're using our tequila as a mixer, there's no need to shell out a day's worth of pay. Also we're in our 20's so probably wouldn't if it wasn't being mixed... Either way we chose to use Espolón Tequila Blanco, which cost around $25. Remember, low-budget sipping and mixing doesn't have to mean low quality!


Ingredients:

100% Agave Tequila
Blackberries (we used organic frozen blackberries, a cheaper alternative as they're not in season right now)
4 sprigs of fresh thyme
1 to 2 limes
Sparkling water
Simple syrup to taste
Ice

 

 

Method:

1. Muddle blackberries and thyme leaves in a bowl. 
2. Stir in the simple syrup.
3. Juice the limes. Save a few wedges for garnish.
4. Measure (or don't!) your tequila, and then pour into your glasses. 
5. Add your blackberry puree, stir together.
6. Fill the remainder of your glass with sparkling water.
7. Stir and sip.

Alternative method:  Mix blackberries and thyme in a food processor (strain berry seeds if you prefer). Toss the remainder of the ingredients, including your ice, into a blender. Skip the sparkling water and pour blended batch into glasses.