Description

Craving a cocktail that captures the cozy essence of autumn with a zesty twist? The Harvest Margarita blends smooth tequila with a spiced simple syrup, tangy lime juice, and a hint of bitters for a refreshing yet warming drink.

Ingredients

Scale

The Harvest Margarita uses a few key ingredients for a flavorful, spiced cocktail. Here’s what you’ll need for 1 serving:

Cocktail

2 ounces tequila (e.g., Patron reposado tequila): Provides a smooth, oaky base.
1 ½ ounces chilled Spiced Simple Syrup: Adds sweet, spiced warmth.
½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice: Brings bright, tangy balance.
Few dashes bitters: Enhances complexity with a subtle bite.
Ice: Chills and dilutes the cocktail.
Lime wedge, for garnish: Adds a fresh, zesty touch.

Spiced Simple Syrup

1 cup sugar: Sweetens the syrup.
1 cup water: Dissolves the sugar.
8 whole allspice berries: Contribute peppery, warm notes.
8 whole cloves: Add rich, aromatic spice.
3 cinnamon sticks: Infuse cozy, woody warmth.
1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped: Brings a zesty, spicy kick.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Tequila: Reposado tequila offers a smooth, slightly oaky flavor that pairs well with spices.
Spiced Simple Syrup: Infuses fall flavors for a seasonal twist.
Lime Juice: Balances sweetness with bright acidity.
Bitters: Add depth and complexity to the drink.

Substitutions and Variations

Tequila: Use blanco tequila for a lighter flavor or añejo for richer notes; mezcal adds smokiness.
Spiced Simple Syrup: Reduce sugar to ¾ cup for less sweetness or use honey (¾ cup) for a different flavor.
Lime Juice: Swap with lemon juice for a milder citrus note.
Bitters: Use orange bitters for a citrusy twist or omit for simplicity.
Ginger: Replace with ½ teaspoon ground ginger if fresh is unavailable.
Non-Alcoholic Option: Substitute tequila with non-alcoholic tequila alternative or sparkling water with a splash of apple juice.
Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure bitters and tequila are gluten-free.
Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Harvest Margarita: Add a slice of jalapeño to the shaker for heat.
- Citrus Harvest Margarita: Include ½ ounce orange juice or a splash of Grand Marnier.
- Apple Harvest Margarita: Replace ½ ounce simple syrup with apple cider.
- Vanilla Harvest Margarita: Add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract to the simple syrup.
- Rosemary Harvest Margarita: Infuse simple syrup with a sprig of rosemary.

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather all ingredients: 2 ounces tequila, 1 ½ ounces spiced simple syrup, ½ ounce lime juice, bitters, ice, lime wedge; for syrup, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 8 allspice berries, 8 cloves, 3 cinnamon sticks, 1-inch ginger piece.
Peel and coarsely chop ginger.
Squeeze fresh lime juice and prepare a lime wedge for garnish.

Tip: Prep ingredients in advance; chill cocktail glasses in the fridge for a crisp serve.

Step 2: Make the Spiced Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 8 allspice berries, 8 cloves, 3 cinnamon sticks, and 1-inch chopped ginger.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely.
Remove from heat and let steep for 1 hour.
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl, discarding spices.
Cover and refrigerate until cold (about 1 hour).

Tip: Make syrup ahead to save time; store extra in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Step 3: Mix the Cocktail

In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces tequila, 1 ½ ounces chilled spiced simple syrup, ½ ounce lime juice, a few dashes of bitters, and a handful of ice.
Shake vigorously for 10 seconds to chill and mix.

Tip: Shake until the shaker feels frosty; don’t over-dilute with too much ice.

Step 4: Serve

Strain into a chilled glass, either straight up or over fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
Serve immediately, paired with appetizers like fried ravioli or desserts like old-fashioned apple crisp.

Tip: For a salted rim, rub the glass rim with lime and dip in coarse salt before pouring.