The addition of the red wine float adds both complexity and elegance to this classic cocktail.
One of the most well known, and one of my favorite, cocktails has to be the margarita. Not only is it refreshing, but it has an extremely flexible flavor profile that can be adapted to fit most situations. As the great Jimmy Buffett once said:
"If life gives you limes, make margaritas." - Jimmy Buffett
One of those situations comes in the form of an upscale, wine cocktail. The Devil's Margarita takes your traditional lime margarita and gives it a burst of color and fruit flavors.
It is important to note that whatever red wine you choose as the float for this cocktail will determine the overall flavor profile you experience. If you are looking for a cocktail that is a bit more bright, smooth and has pronounced red fruits you'll want to pick a wine that is light-medium bodied and more fruit forward such as Pinot Noir or Cabernet Franc. However if you want a drink that is bold, earthy and has more dark fruit flavors, go with a Cabernet Sauvignon or similar.
It is also advised to skip the salt rim this time around. While margaritas commonly have salted rims, this may not pair well with the specific wine you choose.
Recipe: The Devil's Margarita
Ingredients
1 ½ oz. Silver (blanco) Tequila
¾ oz. Lime Juice (freshly squeezed is better but store bought is fine)
¾ oz. Simple Syrup (simple syrup recipe)
Red Wine - Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir (or other of your choosing)
Optional: Lime Wedge or Slice
Directions
Grab a shaker and add ice, tequila, simple syrup and lime juice
Shake until chilled (entire shaker is cold to the touch)
Strain into a glass of your choosing
Add the red wine float. Hold a spoon at a 45 degree angle with the back of the spoon facing the ceiling and the front edge just touching the top of the drink. Slowly pour the wine over the back of the spoon so that it pools on the top of the margarita. Keep pouring until you have a 1/4 to 1/2 inch layer of wine.
If desired, garnish the glass with a lime slice or wedge.
That's it! Sit down and enjoy!
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