Hot, hot heat. That’s what August seems to be all about for many right now. Heavy air teams up with burning sunshine to make it completely and utterly uncomfortable to set foot outside. It’s as if someone turned up the thermostat as high as possible and then covered everything in a big blanket. When the weather reaches this point, we have two options: 1) sit inside with our feet in a bowl of ice water and the AC cranked, or 2) put ourselves in close proximity to a body of water. Today, my family went with option 2. We spend the afternoon on Bald Eagle Lake where we enjoyed swimming and cool drinks to fend off the heat. No matter which option you chose, a cold beverage helps pass the time and cool the temperature. Temporarily anyway.

If you are in the same boat as we are here in Minnesota (I know; Minnesota + heat in the same sentence is a little strange) then you need to try this Sparkling Blood Orange Margarita. As much as I love a good traditional margarita (on the rocks, please!) they can occasionally be overly sweet and syrupy. This bubbly margarita is made with blood orange French soda, which gives it an effervescence that is welcome during these seemingly intolerable days. The sweetness is subtle but enough to stand up to the salted rim of the glass.

Speaking of the glass, I found these beautiful vintage glasses at an antique store the other day and I am in love. They are delicate, unique and a perfect new prop for Cocktail Fridays!

Cheers to the dog days of summer and  the last Cocktail Friday post before I head back to Tokyo next week.

Sparkling Blood Orange Margarita

Makes 1 drink

2 oz. tequila

4-6 oz. Blood Orange French Soda

1 tablespoon lime juice

ice

Margarita salt

Lime wedges

Before putting any liquid in the glass, use a lime wedge to wet the edge of the glass. Dip the rim of the glass in the margarita salt. Put the tequila in the glass, followed by the lime juice. Next, add the ice cubes gently (if you aren’t careful, a lot of the salt will fall of the rim of the glass). Finally, top the glass off with the blood orange soda and garnish the glass with a lime wedge.

One of the food groups I miss most here in Tokyo is of the Mexican variety. (Yes. Mexican food is its own food group.) Even though I grew up in Minnesota, land of the hot dish-casserole-bar culture, I have developed a deep appreciation for burritos, tacos, salsa, guacamole, and of course the well-loved margarita.

Over the past 2 years, I have succumbed to the fact that my Mexican food intake would take a serious nose dive. Each time I have gone back to the United States since moving to Japan I have made it a point to have my first meal at an establishment that serves tortillas, chips, black beans, chipotles…I could go on. But I won’t because I’m starting to drool on my laptop. Gross.

While it is difficult, though not impossible, to find Mexican food here in Tokyo, it is much easier to make homemade margaritas! I have to admit that I was incredibly surprised to find Tequila of any kind in the liquor stores around our apartment. This treasure hunt for tequila happened just in time for Cinco de Mayo last week. And thank goodness for that! The results were delicious (and even a bit healthier compared to typical recipes), helping us celebrate as authentically as possible. Considering we were celebrating a Mexican holiday in the middle of Eastern Asia. Just sayin’.

Rather than using sugar in my margarita mix, I use honey. The sweetness has a better balance with the tart citrus in comparison to granulated sugar or powdered sugar. Some of you may be saying, “Haven’t I seen this recipe on Tokyo Terrace already?” And you are partially correct. This time around I tried to be more intentional with the amounts of each citrus used and I made a pitcher rather than only one drink. And just for the record, please serve these margaritas on the rocks. It’s the only way to go.

Classic Margarita
Makes a pitcher for about 6 servings

4 limes, juiced (about 1/2-2/3 cup juice)
6 lemons, juiced (about 1 cup juice)
2-3 oranges, juiced (about 2/3 cup juice)
1/4 cup honey
1 cup water
2 cups tequila
Salt for rims of glasses
ice

Combine the juice and honey in the pitcher. Whisk together to dissolve the honey. Add the water and tequila. Use a lemon or lime wedge to wet the rim of each glass. Dip the rim in the salt. Add ice and pour the margarita mix into the glasses. Serve immediately.