Description
These Carrot Ginger Margaritas are a super fresh, zingy take on the classic margarita! They’re made with a fresh carrot-ginger juice you make quickly in the blender, shaken up with classic margarita ingredients. Super flavorful, refreshing, and perfect for spring entertaining!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Carrot Ginger Juice (Makes approx. 3/4 – 1 cup):
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
- 8 medium carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1 cup cold water
For the Margarita (per serving):
- Coarse margarita salt (or kosher/sea salt), for rimming glass
- 1 lime wedge (for rimming and garnish)
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) tequila (Blanco 100% agave recommended)
- 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) Grand Marnier* (or other orange liqueur like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) fresh Carrot Ginger Juice* (from recipe above)
- 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) simple syrup* (or agave nectar, adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes (for shaking and serving)
Optional Garnish:
- Thinly sliced lime wheel or wedge
Instructions
1. Make the Carrot Ginger Juice:
- Add the chopped fresh ginger, chopped carrots, and 1 cup of cold water to a high-powered blender.
- Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is as smooth as possible.
- Pour the juice through a fine-mesh strainer (lined with cheesecloth for extra clarity, if desired) set over a bowl. Press down gently on the solids with a spoon or spatula to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the pulp. You should have about 3/4 to 1 cup of juice. This makes enough juice for about 3-4 cocktails.
2. Prepare the Margarita Glass:
- Pour coarse margarita salt onto a small plate.
- Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your margarita or rocks glass to moisten it.
- Dip the moistened rim into the salt, rotating the glass to coat the rim evenly.
- Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice cubes.
3. Make the Margarita:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with a few ice cubes.
- Add the tequila, Grand Marnier (or other orange liqueur), fresh lime juice, 2 ounces of the fresh carrot ginger juice, and simple syrup (or agave) to the shaker.
- Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is very cold.
4. Serve:
- Strain the margarita mixture from the shaker into the prepared, ice-filled glass.
- Garnish with a fresh lime slice or wheel. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Carrot Ginger Juice: A high-powered blender works best to break down the raw carrots and ginger. Straining is necessary to remove the pulp. Leftover juice can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days.
- Orange Liqueur: Grand Marnier adds a specific flavor. Cointreau or a quality Triple Sec can be substituted.
- Simple Syrup: To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heat until sugar dissolves, and cool completely. Adjust the amount used in the margarita based on your preferred sweetness and the sweetness of the carrot juice. Agave nectar can also be used.
- Tequila: Use a good quality 100% agave tequila, preferably Blanco (silver), for a clean taste.
- Storage: The cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after making.